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WINTER EDITOR’S LETTER

“Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.”
—Ovid

Leslie Dinaberg | MANAGING EDITOR
leslie@sbseasons.com

16

SBSEASONS.COM

Winter Editor’s Picks
Santa Barbara is always a beautiful place to celebrate the
holiday season, and one of the most unique and charming
events is the annual Parade of Lights, when boat owners
literally “deck the hulls with bows of holly” and lots of glorious lights, then motor, sail and paddle between Stearns
Wharf and Santa Barbara Breakwater. | Dec. 6, 5:30–7:30
p.m. Santa Barbara Harbor. santabarbaraca.gov.

There are a lot of ways to learn about philanthropy and
economics, but the San Marcos High School Kids Helping Kids program has to be one of the most interesting
and unique. Over the course of 11 years, students have
volunteered more than 10,000 hours of work, resulting in
$700,000 being raised for charitable purposes—to improve
the lives of disadvantaged children both globally and locally.
This year’s completely student-run annual gala benefit concert features Needtobreathe as headliner, with an opening
set by Johnnyswim. | Jan. 9. The Granada Theatre, 1214 State
St. 805/899-2222, granadasb.org, kidshelpingkidssb.org.

One of the highlights of my year is always Santa Barbara
International Film Festival, which offers a whirlwind 10
days of more than 200 films, tributes and symposiums that
range from American indie films to world cinema
and everything in between. We can’t wait so see
what the organizers have in store for this 31st annual event. | Feb. 3–13. Various locations, downtown
Santa Barbara. 805/963-0023, sbiff.org.

I’ve been a fan of The Producers since my
childhood friend (and Santa Barbara local) Cady
Huffman originated the part of Ulla and won a Tony
Award for it in 2001. This Mel Brooks hit musical is
still one of the funniest shows around. Just thinking
about the geriatric Old Betties dance number with
their walkers is enough to make me laugh. If you
haven’t seen it before, you’re in
for a treat! | Feb. 16–17, 7:30 p.m.
The Granada Theatre, 1214 State
St. 805/899-2222, granadasb.org.

That particular four-letter word
is one of my favorites, so I’m very excited
to share our cover story—”A Star for A Day:
The Santa Barbara Spa Experience” (page
56)—with you this winter. As an editor who
is also a writer, one of my biggest challenges
is deciding which stories to write myself
and which to assign to other writers, so
believe me when I say this was a painful assignment to give away.
Luckily, Nancy A. Shobe did such a wonderful job of bringing her
spa experiences to life on the page that I don’t feel like I missed out
too much! Especially with Cara Robbins’ beautifully blissful photos.
Filling out my Christmukkah wish list will be easy this year—spa
treatments, take me away!
If you do want to broaden your holiday wish list a little, our
Holiday Gift Guide compiled by style editor Judy Foreman (page
20), is full of fasionably great ideas for everyone in your life, as
well as some special items you might have to purchase for yourself
(perhaps as a reward for surviving the chaos?). We’ve also got a fun
feature from Fred Nadis about “The Mystery Writers of Santa Barbara” (page 96) and a thought-provoking piece about Santa Barbara
architectural trends, “Not Your Father’s Santa Barbara,” by Cheryl
Crabtree (page 66).
Brett Leigh Dicks takes a look to the north at Vandenberg Air
Force Base, back “When Santa
Barbara County almost launched
a Space Shuttle Enterprise” (page
48). We also look “Through a
Glass Clearly” at stained glass
artist Nadya Penoff in our First
Person story by Cheri Rae (page
42), Wendy Thies Sell catches up
with the amazing Rona Barrett
(page 78) in our expanded Valley
News section, Nancy Ransohoff
takes us on a pick-your-ownproduce adventure (page 44) and
much, much more.
All of us at SEASONS wish
you the happiest of holidays and
an even better new year to come.
Cheers to a wonderful winter!
AH, SPAS!

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WINTER CONTRIBUTORS

Cara Robbins photographed “A Star
for A Day—The Santa Barbara Spa
Experience” (page 56). Whether focused on an artist, model, entertainer
or friend, Robbins’ photos aim to bridge
the gap between subject and camera.
She graduated from Brooks Institute of
Photography and is based on the West
Coast, where she works primarily in portraiture and lifestyle photography. Her
images are intimate, thoughtful, and
distinctly personal—a true and honest reflection of both the person and
the moment in which they’re captured.

Nancy A. Shobe | Writer
Nancy A. Shobe, who wrote
“A Star for A Day—The Santa
Barbara Spa Experience”
(page 56), also authored Insider’s Guide to Santa Barbara, 4th edition and co-wrote
the documentary film Above Santa Barbara. Shobe has also
written hundreds of articles for newspapers, magazines and
online journals. She frees herself from the keyboard with
her work as a certified yoga therapist for highly sensitive
children, including those with ADHD, autism and Asperger’s.

Fred Nadis | Writer
Fred Nadis writes about the history of popular culture.
Author of “Mystery Writers of Santa Barbara,” (page 96),
Nadis has published two books, Wonder Shows: Performing Science, Magic, and Religion in America and The Man
from Mars: Ray Palmer’s Amazing Pulp Journey—a 2014
Locus Award Finalist. He has also published articles and
essays in Vanity Fair online and Atlantic. Nadis lives in
Santa Barbara and plays clarinet with local bands, including the UCSB Middle East Ensemble.

Cheryl Crabtree | Writer
The writer of “Not Your Father’s
Santa Barbara” (page 66),
Cheryl Crabtree has penned
many a word for regional
and national travel books,
magazines and websites. She
co-authored the very first edition of Insider’s Guide to Santa
Barbara with Karen Bridgers in 1999 and Hometown
Santa Barbara with a crew of
insider author-friends. She has updated the Central Coast section of
Fodor’s California every year since 2002, and this summer updated the
Channel Islands, Yosemite, and Sequoia and Kings Canyons chapters
of Fodor’s The Complete Guide to National Parks of the West. She is
also co-author of California Directory of Fine Wineries, Central Coast.

are always a magical time of the year, especially when
viewed through the eyes of a child. Toys, tinsel, gingerbread houses, tamales, cookies, latkes, chocolate or a new computer gadget ... kids are
easy, but what about the grownups on your list? Santa Barbara tastemakers stock a beautifully curated selection of the holiday season’s
most coveted and “of the moment” items, each with a strong dose
of individuality that makes us all feel like kids again.
For this purpose, Seasons’ creative team has assembled a great selection of riches ripe for gifting, from elegant
luxury, smile-inducing whimsy and even a kick of cool.
Treasures abound, even for the person who has everything, from cashmere to travel accessories, high-tech
gadgets, gourmet edibles and collectables and heirloom bling. The American Riviera is a jewel box of a
town that continues to inspire and please the senses
and wishes of all the loved ones on your gift list.

THE HOLIDAYS

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SBSEASONS.COM

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LUXURY MEETS
TIMELESS ELEGANCE

S + IN

(1) Watch her eyes go gaga over this Silverhorn
Paraiba Cab and Black Diamond Ring. (2) Even the

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ON PG

man who has everything will swoon over this Rolex
Cellini Watch with 18k rose gold black lacquer
dial, available at Silverhorn. (3) The Lorelle Cuff
Bracelet by Daniel Gibbings is fit for a queen.
(4) These glamorous rose-cut black diamond
and 24k gold earrings from Ara Collection
are perfect for a night on the town. (5) The
elegant lady in the your life will love this Dina
Mackney bracelet, from Coast 2 Coast.
(6) Cocktail afficionados will appreciate
this Reed & Barton Hob Nob Beaker and
Flask set, from Coast 2 Coast. (7)
Hermes Balcon Du Guaralquivir red
porcelain plates elevate entertaining,
from Coast 2 Coast. (8) This
dramatic sapphire and diamond
ring from Gauthier is sure to thrill.
(9) This Patek Philippe stainless
steel with diamond set case and
dial ladies timepiece will last for
generations, available at Bryant
& Sons. (10) This Twos Company
bar set, Reed & Barton beaded ice
bucket and (11) Ralph Lauren etched
barware make great gifts, from
Coast 2 Coast.

of a B/ B/ Korn hand cast aluminum frame
and rubber tires car, from Imagine. (33) The
California Surf Project by Eric Soderquist and
Chris Burkard, Indigo and white inlaid bone frame
and box, Karen Kine Italian jasmine candle and
Indigo Vetiver soap, all from Botanik. (34) For the
gamers, how about a dartboard? From Upstairs at
Pierre Lafond. (35) S’Well Bottles, which are insulated to keep liquid
warm or hot for 24 hours, from Plum Goods. (36) This denim fabric travel
checkerboard set is great for road trips, from Upstairs at Pierre Lafond.
(37) The Pininfarina Book by photographer Gunther Raupp, from Imagine.

Ongoing
Through Dec. 4
ISOLATED: An Exhibition
About Solitary Confinement
Part of UCSB art professor and
prominent photographer Richard
Ross’s larger body of work, Juvenile
in Justice, advocating for reform
of the youth justice system, the
ISOLATED exhibit specifically
addresses the use of solitary confinement and features a combination of
documentary photographs, audio
clips from interviews with incarcerated youth and a facsimile of a
jail cell. | Atkinson Gallery, Santa

METAMORPHOGRAPHS @ MAI
This collaborative process begins
with the singular photographs of
Patricia Houghton Clarke, who
captures images that are at once
universal yet deeply personal.
Inspired by Clarke’s photos, visual
artist Stuart Carey puts paint to her
photographic canvases and forges
them into powerfully blended works
called Metamorphographs.
| Montecito Aesthetic Institute, 1150
Coast Village Rd. 805/565-5700,
montecitoaesthetics.com.

Through Jan. 17

Wesley Anderegg
Ceramic Sculpture
Explore the ceramic sculpture
of Central Coast artist Wesley
Anderegg. His earthenware artworks
feature imaginative narratives as
well as commentary on social and
political issues. | Westmont Ridley-

Spanish Colonial Style:
Santa Barbara and
The Architecture of James
Osborne Craig and
Mary McLaughlin Craig
This retrospective exhibition, the first
in 90 years, celebrates the publication of a monograph on the work of
two seminal Santa Barbara architects,
who happen to be husband and
wife. James Osborne Craig is widely
credited with establishing the Spanish
Colonial style in Santa Barbara.
He left two buildings of such
potency—even precocity, given his
age—completed posthumously, that
one suspects he would have given
George Washington Smith ample
competition if not for his premature
death at the age of 33. One was
Casa Santa Cruz, the house for Irene
and Bernhard Hoffmann. The other
was El Paseo, which set the standard
for Santa Barbara’s architectural
rebirth in the twenties and continues
to be a reference today. His wife
Mary McLaughlin Craig, indelibly
linked with the houses of Plaza
Rubio, followed in his footsteps and
established her own identity as an
architectural designer for 36 years.
Spanish Colonial Style: Santa Barbara
and the Architecture of James
Osborne Craig and Mary McLaughlin
Craig, written by the Craigs’ granddaughter Pamela Skewes-Cox
and architectural historian Robert
Sweeney, was recently published
and includes a stunning collection of
contemporary photos by Matt Walla.
| Santa Barbara Historical Museum,

Through Dec. 6
Walter White: Inventions in
Midcentury Architecture
Join the Art, Design & Architecture
Museum, UCSB at the first exhibition
examining the work of ingenious
inventor, builder and architect Walter
S. White. The artist was recognized
for his designs of desert cities like
Palm Desert, Indio, La Quinta and
Palm Springs in which he highlighted
the natural landscape of the
Coachella Valley area while using
new, ecologically sensitive and inexpensive construction methods. White
was also known for his do-it-yourself
cottages and cabins, as well as his
solar energy designs like the patented
solar window wall, which captures
the warmth and light of the sun in
winter and keeps buildings cool in
summer. | AD&A Museum, UCSB, 552
PHOTOS: OPPOSITE: AMY BARNARD; THIS PAGE: HIROSHI SEO

Through Jan. 5

University Rd. 805/893-2951, museum.
ucsb.edu.

Through Dec. 19

Yamato: The Drummers of Japan, Jan. 31, UCSB Campbell Hall

Through Jan. 31
Magic Mountain
For centuries, travelers to remote
mountain villages, seaside escapes,
desert oases and elsewhere have
sought out nature’s curative properties. This exhibition investigates the
inspiration for some of these quests
and obsessions, as well as the truths,
mysteries, antidotes and rabbit holes
that arise along the way. Magic
Mountain features the work of artists
Zachary Cahill, Alyse Emdur, Chris
Johanson, Boris Mikhailov, Yunhee
Min, Shana Moulton, John Newling,
Johan Rosenmunthe, Truong Cong
Tung and Hannah Vainstein.
| MCASB Satellite Gallery at Hotel
Indigo Santa Barbara, 121 State St.
805/966-6586, mcasantabarbara.org.

Through Mar. 20
Looking In, Looking Out:
Latin American Photography
Take a look at scenes of Latin
American culture, politics, environments and individuals, explored in
Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s new
exhibit, which features the works of
Latin American photographers and
artists who wish to show outsiders the

experiences and traditions of diverse
cultures of their home countries.
Full of spirit, the exhibit includes
artwork from Brazil, Colombia, Cuba,
Guatemala, Mexico and other nations.
| Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130
State St. 805/963-4364, sbma.net.

Through Mar. 21
Prints from Land and Sea:
A Blend of Art and Science
Featuring the work of scientist artists
Shane and Genny Anderson and F.
G. Hochberg, Prints from Land and
Sea shows the power of nature printing to capture the beauty of plants
and marine animals. The impression
made on paper or fabric from the
ink-covered natural item shows the
artistic and fascinating details of
each individual specimen, and the
art of nature printing blends both art
and science. Several demonstrations
are planned to introduce museum
visitors to the art of printing plants,
shells and fishes. In addition, printing
workshops are scheduled for kids
and adults interested in learning
about the techniques used to make
nature prints of plant and animal
subjects. | Wildling Museum, 1511-B
Mission Dr., Solvang. 805/688-1082,
wildlingmuseum.org. k

WINTER 2015/16

31

WINTER DATEBOOK

Okee Dokee Brothers,
Feb. 21, UCSB Campbell Hall

Stone Cupid
Sings Like Hell presents Julie
Christensen’s new band, Stone Cupid,
which was recently invited to perform
at The Family Wash, an iconic East
Nashville landmark. Stone Cupid’s
first album is set to be released
in January 2016 and captures the
band’s natural, easy vibe. Australian
alt-country singer Natalie D.
Napoleon, who now makes her home
in Santa Barbara, joins Stone Cupid
as well. | 8 p.m. Lobero Theatre, 33
E. Canon Perdido St. 805/963-0761,
singslikehell.org.

Funk Zone Art Walk
A night of art of and artist receptions
in various galleries around the Funk
Zone—Santa Barbara’s fun and funky
neighborhood! | 5-8 p.m. Various
locations throughout the Funk Zone.
funkzone.net.

4–5

1
Chasing Shadows
Don’t miss Warren Miller
Entertainment’s newest film, Chasing
Shadows. Miller once said, “A pair of
skis are the ultimate transportation to
freedom.” For film #66, he explores
what it means to be inspired. “As
skiers and snowboarders, we’ve all
chased it: a feeling, a memory, a
storm, a turn—we’ve been chasing
it our whole lives, and we’ll keep
chasing it a lifetime more.” | 8 p.m.
Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido
St. 805/963-0761, warrenmiller.com.

1–23
Cinderella
PCPA heralds in its 52nd season with
the brand-new Broadway adaptation
of the classic musical Cinderella.
32

SBSEASONS.COM

870 S. Bradley Rd., Santa Maria.
805/922-8313, pcpa.org.

2
La Arcada Christmas Walk
A favorite holiday tradition for 21
years, the beautiful and historic La
Arcada hosts a holiday open house
featuring restaurants, galleries
and boutiques. Enjoy refreshments,
Christmas carolers and even a photo
with Santa. | La Arcada, 1100 block
of State St. between Figueroa and
Anapamu streets. 5–8 p.m. 805/9666634, laarcadasantabarbara.com.

3
1st Thursday
1st Thursday is an award-winning
program highlighting downtown arts,
culture and entertainment on the
first Thursday of every month. All 1st
Thursday attractions are free from
5–8 p.m. | Also on Jan. 7 and Feb.
4. Various locations around Santa
Barbara, State St. downtownsb.org/
about/1st-thursday.

Pink Martini
Ring in this holiday season with Pink
Martini as they perform treasured
classics from their album Joy to the
World and recent releases such as
“Get Happy” and “Dream a Little

3–20
Women in Jeopardy!
Thelma and Louise meets The First
Wives Club in this fun and flirtatious
new comedy. Divorcees Mary and
Jo are suspicious of their friend Liz’s
new dentist boyfriend. He’s not just
a weirdo; he may be a serial killer.
After all, his hygienist just disappeared. Trading their wine glasses
for spyglasses, imagination runs wild
as the ladies try to discover the truth
and save their friend in a hilarious
off-road adventure. | 8 p.m. New
Victoria Theatre, 33 W. Victoria St.
805/965-5400, ensembletheatre.com.

4
Downtown Holiday Parade
Get in the holiday spirit at the 63rd
annual Santa Barbara downtown
holiday parade, featuring talented
marching bands, fabulous holiday
floats, performance groups, St. Nick
and more. The parade begins on
State and Sola streets and finishes on
Cota Street. | 6:30–8:30 p.m. State St.
downtownsb.org.

Julefest
Venture over to the magical village
of Solvang to celebrate holiday festivities like the Julefest Tree Lighting
Ceremony (Dec. 4) and a traditional
Danish parade (Dec. 5), as well
as many more family-fun activities.
| 1639 Copenhagen Dr., Solvang.
805/688-6144, solvangusa.com.

4–6
Folk and Tribal Arts Marketplace
Shop around the world without leaving Santa Barbara at the Folk and
Tribal Arts Marketplace, the largest
folk art show in Southern California.
Vendors, representing more than 50
countries, offer visitors a selection
of baskets, décor, ethnographic
art, furniture, jewelry, pottery, rugs,
sculpture and more. Proceeds from
the event support the exhibits and
science education programs at
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural
History and its sea center. | Santa
Barbara Museum of Natural History,
2559 Puesta Del Sol. 805/682-4711,
sbnature.org.

5
Holiday Movie Saturday
Bring the kids on down to The
Granada Theatre for this very special
annual celebration of holiday films, a
visit by Santa Claus and other holiday
surprises. An audience favorite, nothing is cooler than the holiday season

PHOTO: COURTESY UCSB ARTS & LECTURES

December

| 1:30 p.m & 7 p.m. Marian Theatre,

Theatre, 1214 State St. 805/899-2222,
granadasb.org.

which celebrates the traditions of
Mexico during the Christmas season
with a beautiful concoction of mariachi music and folkloric dance. | 3

Rudolph

p.m. The Granada Theatre, 1214 State
St. 805/899-2222, granadasb.org.

at The Granada Theatre! Films to be
announced. | 8 p.m. The Granada

The holiday classic ballet features
Rudolph, Clarice, the Abominable
Snow Monster and even Santa Claus
himself as children ages two and up
dance to well-known holiday tunes
along with the State Street Ballet
Young Dancers. | 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido
St. 805/963-0761, lobero.com.

Harbor Parade of Lights
Head over to Cabrillo Boulevard for
the 30th annual Parade of Lights
as boat owners “deck the hulls with
bows of holly.” Revel as boats motor,
sail and paddle between Stearns
Wharf and Santa Barbara Breakwater.
Be sure to wander over to the city pier
for Santa’s Village festivities before
the Parade of Lights. Afterward, enjoy
the fireworks display over the ocean.
| 5:30–7:30 p.m. Santa Barbara
Harbor. santabarbaraca.gov.

7
Hawaii
Winner of two Golden Globes, Hawaii
tells the story of New England missionary Abner Hale, his wife Jerusha
Bromley and their trip to the exotic
island of Hawaii. With one of the
greatest cinematic scores, the film
features iconic stars Julie Andrews,

9
The Tierney Sutton Band:
A Century of Sinatra
Celebrate the 100th birthday of the
Chairman of the Board at Lobero
Theatre with The Tierney Sutton Band.
The band, led by five-time Grammy
nominee Tierney Sutton, performs
Frank Sinatra classics. | 8 p.m.
Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido
St. 805/963-0761, lobero.com.

10
Chris Robinson Brotherhood
Don’t miss a chance to see Chris
Robinson Brotherhood, who just
completed their most successful
summer tour yet with sold-out shows
around the U.S. The band has
revealed new music throughout their
tour and returns to the studio in early
2016. | 8 p.m. Lobero Theatre, 33
E. Canon Perdido St. 805/963-0761,
lobero.com.

POETRY
is ALWAYS in SEASON
A native of New Mexico, Enid Osborn has lived for many
years in Santa Barbara with her musician husband, Jay. The
author of four chapbooks, she published her first full-length
collection, When the Big Wind Comes, in 2015. Osborn’s
poems are often dark and brooding, so readers familiar with
her work may find the light touch of “Surf in December” surprising. Yet this poem celebrating Santa Barbara during the
holidays—when the streets “are decked / in tiny lights” and
“the air smells of fish / and tacos”—is deeply infused with Osborn’s characteristic love of place and her deep appreciation
of the natural world.

—David Starkey, contributing editor, poetry

SURF IN DECEMBER
BY ENID OSBORN
The ocean turns arctic.
Hardy locals park willy nilly
off the One-o-one,
jump out in half-zipped wetsuits,
grab a crazy, friendly board,
and clamber over the breaks
to charge some waves.
It’s a town thing:
The blue-green curl,
flipflops on the deck,
ocean zen, sand in our ears,
tar between our toes,
windbeat hair, beach glass,
board art, skin art,
cruiser bikes, irey surfers
of every generation,
awake and alive.
We wear shorts in winter,
not because it’s warm,
but because we’re used
to freezing water,
you wusses.
When our mountains go purple
and the late sun lights up
the trunks and rusty leaves
of our great white Sycamores,
the best place to watch
is at the water’s edge.
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Then we put on sweaters
and walk downtown,
all ocean-clean, full
of negative ions.
Signs come on
in the shops and pubs,
and music is free,
it changes like water.
Street trees are decked
in tiny lights up and down
and the air smells of fish
and tacos. Tell me
my town will be like this
for as long as I can stay.

Jackie Evancho
Jackie Evancho has astounded
audiences with her incredible voice.
Despite being only 10 years old at
the time, Evancho performed on
America’s Got Talent, showing the
judges that she is the “whole package.”
The soprano singer went on to win
runner-up during the competition and
signed with Columbia Records. | 8
p.m. The Granada Theatre, 1214 State
St. 805/899-2222, granadasb.org.

Trinity Backstage Holiday Show
Help support Trinity Backstage’s outreach programs with Casa Esperanza,
Transition House and more at an
acoustic evening with Doug Clegg,
Kate Wallace, Grey Brothers, Mitchell
Thomas and Sarah Thomas. The holiday benefit show features seasonal
songs and spreads the holiday spirit.
| 8 p.m. Trinity Backstage, 1500 State
St. 805/962-2970, trinitybackstage.
wordpress.com.

The Nutcracker
Santa Barbara Festival Ballet
Performing Company and Dance
Conservatory celebrates 5 decades
of dance this season with special 41st

anniversary performances of The
Nutcracker at the historic Arlington
Theatre. A true local holiday tradition,
more than 3,200 audience members
enjoy this performance each year,
watching Herr Drosselmeyer’s
dolls come to life and the magical
Christmas tree growing up beyond
the stage before them. | Sat. at 2
p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sun. at 2 p.m.
Arlington Theatre, 1317 State St.,
805/963-4408, santabarbaranutcrackerballet.com.

Hallelujah Project 2015
Fast becoming one of the city’s
most anticipated holiday musical
events, Hallelujah Project offers a
family-friendly blend of approachable classical choral music and
traditional seasonal favorites, a
guest appearance by the Children’s
Chorus and a celebrity in a format
designed to put young and old
alike in festive holiday moods! Past
narrators include comedienne and
author Fannie Flagg and acclaimed
actress Stephanie Zimbalist. Who
will it be this year? | Sat. 8 p.m.,
Sun. 3 p.m. Lobero Theatre, 33 E.
Canon Perdido St. 805/963-0761,
lobero.com.

13
Santo el Enmascarado de Plata
vs. La Invasion de los Marcianos’
Part of the Época de Oro film series,
Santo el Enmascarado de Plata vs. La
Invasion de los Marcianos’ comes to
The Granada Theatre. A cult classic,
the film tells the story of the masked
man of Plata and is sure to keep you
on the edge of your seat. | 3 p.m.
The Granada Theatre, 1214 State St.
805/899-2222, granadasb.org.

15
Colleen & Joshua’s
Holiday Spectacular
YouTube sensations Colleen and
Joshua Evans invite you to celebrate
this holiday season with them live in
their first holiday spectacular! The
newly married couple has over a
billion views online and millions of
dedicated fans and now they want
to share their love for the holidays
with you! So take a break from the
hustle and bustle of the holidays and
come enjoy an evening filled with
singing, dancing, magic, comedy and
holiday cheer. Special appearances
by Miranda Sings, the Ballinger

family, and other YouTube friends! | 7:30 p.m. The
Granada Theatre, 1214 State St. 805/899-2222,
granadasb.org.

16
Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Stuff the Bus
Help “Stuff the Bus” with holiday gifts at Peoples’
Self-Help Housing’s annual holiday campaign. The
local nonprofit is hosting its seventh annual Stuff
the Bus Holiday Campaign through December 16
to collect toys and raise funds for 500 low-income
children living at its affordable housing complexes
on the Central Coast. Want to be a part of this
heartwarming mission? Drop off a new toy, educational toy, or books at any of the donation sites. To
donate via credit card, visit Peoples’ Self Housing
offices, donate online at pshhc.org/donate. | 9

Solvang 3rd Wednesday
Beer and Wine Walk
Admission to Solvang’s Third Wednesday Wine and
Beer Walk includes a ticket to sample two wines at
five participating wine–and/or beer–tasting rooms,
a specialty logo glass, and a map to help you
navigate your way through all of the fun! Also on
Jan. 20 and Feb. 17. | 3-7 p.m., Various locations
throughout Solvang. solvangthirdwednesday.com.

17–19
“Humbug!” A (Lit Moon) Christmas Carol
Enjoy Charles Dickens’ vivid language and haunting atmospheres, in a story about the Christmas
Eve transformation of the flinty old miser, Ebenezer
Scrooge. Played in the company’s physical,
image-oriented style, five actors—and many puppets—bring more than 30 characters to life. | 7:30
p.m. Porter Theatre at Westmont College, 955 La Paz
Rd. 805/565-7040, westmont.edu.

19–20
The Christmas Revels: In Celebration of the
Winter Solstice “The Treasures of Spain”
This favorite Santa Barbara seasonal theatrical
production features a large, colorfully costumed
company of actors, singers and dancers accompanied by an ensemble of traditional instruments. This
year’s engaging and entertaining show is subtitled
“The Treasures of Spain” and transports audiences
to the crossroads of southern Spain, where
indigenous Iberian, Moorish/Arabic and Sephardic/ k

WINTER 2015/16

35

WINTER DATEBOOK

STEWART
FINE ART

Specializing in early
California Plein Air
painters, and museum
quality 19th/20th century
American and European
art, as well as a selection
of fine antiques and
antique furniture.
Open from 11 to 5:30,
closed Thursday and
Sunday, available by
appointment.

19–20
The Nutcracker
In this holiday family favorite, State Street Ballet,
joined by students of Gustafson Dance, tells the
story of young Clara, who receives a beautiful toy
nutcracker on Christmas Eve. In her dreams that
night, the nutcracker comes to life and saves her
from a band of hilariously evil rats, escorting her
on a magical journey. | Sat. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.,
Sun. 2 p.m. The Granada Theatre, 1214 State St.
805/899-2222, granadasb.org.

28
Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven
Influential 80s indie rock bands Camper Van
Beethoven and Cracker share the same DNA in not
only guitarist David Lowery, but also the post-punk
genre defying ethos that has made them college
radio staples the world over. | 8 p.m. Lobero
Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. 805/963-0761,
lobero.com.

January
8–Feb. 5
Abstract 8: 2nd Fridays Art @ SBTC
In the competitive world of art, the mission of
Abstract 8 is to shine the light on a select group
of talented abstract artists and allow them an
opportunity to exhibit in a small group. It is an
evolving and diverse group whose work seeks to
connect and convey to its audience the energies
and attitudes of each individual artist. | Santa
Barbara Tennis Club, 2375 Foothill Rd. 805/6824722, 2ndFridaysArt.com.

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9
Kids Helping Kids Benefit Concert
Featuring NeedtoBreathe
Kids Helping Kids originally began
with a student-run penny drive in
2002 and evolved into an annual
signature gala event at The Granada
Theater. Over the course of 11
years, students volunteered more
than 10,000 hours of work, resulting in $700,000 being raised for
charitable purposes. Past performers
include Toad the Wet Sprocket, Andy
Grammer, Sara Bareilles and other
big-name pop stars. | The Granada
Theatre, 1214 State St. 805/899-2222,
granadasb.org, kidshelpingkidssb.org.

10
Kid Flix Mix
“The birthplace of indie film for kids,”
Kid Flix Mix returns with a lineup of
movies, perfect for all ages. The film
festival showcases the best short
films and animation from around the
world. | 11 a.m.–noon. Campbell Hall,
UCSB. 805/893-3535, artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu.

Vicki Lawrence & Mama:
A Two-Woman Show
One of the most beloved television
personalities of her generation, comedienne Vicki Lawrence, alongside her
iconic character “Mama,” comes to
The Granada Theatre for a special
show, a mixture of stand-up comedy
and real-life observations. | 3 p.m.
The Granada Theatre, 1214 State St.
805/899-2222, granadasb.org.

The Orlando Consort, The
Passion of Joan of Arc
Don’t miss The Passion of Joan of Arc,
one of the greatest performances in
film, accompanied by the live vocal
music of Orlando Consort. Telling
of the trial and execution of Joan
of Arc, the film stars actress Maria
Falconetti. | 4 p.m. Hahn Hall, Music
Academy of the West, 1070 Fairway
Rd. artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu.

Viva el Arte: Mariachi Los
Camperos Nati Cano
A free family concert featuring Los
Camperos, which has just released
a new recording for Smithsonian
Folkways in tribute to their late
founder, Nati Cano, who died last
fall. With Tradición, Arte y Pasión,
Los Camperos explore the multidimensional sounds of Mexico’s past,

12–13
Flashdance: The Musical
Inspired by the hit film, Flashdance:
The Musical tells the story of Alex
Owen, a working-class girl from
Pittsburgh. A romance with her boss,
Nick Hurley, inspires her to pursue
her dream of being accepted into
a distinguished ballet academy and
become a dancer. | 7:30 p.m. The
Granada Theatre, 1214 State St.
805/899-2222, granadasb.org.

14
Seth Horowitz
Join UCSB’s Interdisciplinary
Humanities Center for an enlightening talk with neuroscientist Seth
Horowitz, whose work in comparative
and human hearing, balance and
sleep research has been funded
by National Institutes of Health,
National Science Foundation and
NASA. Aside from teaching a
number of classes and working on
educational outreach, Horowitz is
also the author of The Universal
Sense: How Hearing Shapes the Mind.
| 4 p.m. McCune Conference Room,
HSSB 6020, University of California.
ihc.ucsb.edu/seth-horowitz/.

Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour
Monterey Jazz Festival, the longestrunning jazz festival in the world, has
featured artists like Louis Armstrong,
John Lewis, Sonny Rollins and Billie
Holliday. The 2016 tour showcases
the music of trumpeter Terence
Blanchard, saxophonist Ravi Coltrane
and more. | 8 p.m. Campbell Hall,
University of California. 805/8933535, artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu.

Patricia Chidlaw
Observation Car, 2015, oil on canvas, 30” x 24”
Overview: Patricia Chidlaw was born in San Francisco and as
the child of an enlisted man, her childhood was filled with travel
in Europe and across America, which influences her paintings today. Sometimes moody, occasionally lonely, Chidlaw’s paintings
are quintessentially American in subject and feel. Chidlaw
settled in Santa Barbara in 1969 to attend UCSB and has
remained here, putting down roots with her husband, Bob. Content in our seaside town, the couple still often travels by car and
train seeking out subject matter for Patricia’s next painting. Chidlaw has exhibited widely in galleries throughout the American
west, including a solo show at Nevada Museum of Art in 2014.
Gallery: Sullivan Goss—An American Gallery
11 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara
805/730-1460, sullivangoss.com
SBADA MEMBER

Handel’s Water Music + Bartok
Explore the rich virtuosity of Santa Barbara
Symphony, featuring a work that highlights its
orchestral talents: Bela Bartock’s masterful
“Concerto for Orchestra,” plus the U.S. premiere of
Italian composer Christian Carrara’s “Machpelah.”
Hear the brass section shine with Gabrielie’s
“Symphoniae Sacrae for Antiphonal Brass.” It’s an
evening to see firsthand why our beloved symphony
is one of the city’s cultural jewels. | Sat. 8 p.m.,
Sun. 3 p.m. The Granada Theatre, 1214 State St.
805/899-2222, granadasb.org.

18
Amazing Grace
Amazing Grace, a part of the Movies that Matter
with Hal Conklin film series, tells the story of William
Wilberforce, who fought for years against incredible
odds to end the British sanctioning of slavery. The
film stars Academy Award-winning actor Benedict
Cumberbatch. | 7 p.m. The Granada Theatre, 1214
State St. 805/899-2222, granadasb.org.

19
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
One of the United Kingdom’s most distinguished
orchestras, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra entertains audiences worldwide with its extraordinary
performances, led by conductor Pinchas Zukerman,
who has marveled the music world for more than
40 years. | 8 p.m. The Granada Theatre, 1214 State
St. 805/899-2222, granadasb.org.

21
Agustín Fuentes
Agustín Fuentes studies multispecies anthropology,
cooperation and bonding in human evolution,
and interaction between humans and non-human
primates. His latest works include Evolution of
Human Behavior, Monkeys on the Edge and Race,
Monogamy and Other Lies They Told You. The
author and anthropologist gives a talk at the
Interdisciplinary Humanities Center as part of The
Humanities and the Brain lecture series. | 4 p.m.
McCune Conference Room, HSSB 6020, University of
California. ihc.ucsb.edu/agustin-fuentes.

JANUARY 7 - FEBRUARY 28, 2016
A CATALOG WILL ACCOMPANY THE EXHIBITION
11 East Anapamu St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

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Itzhak Perlman & Emanuel Ax
Don’t miss a rare collaboration between Itzhak
Perlman and Emanuel Ax, two of the most beloved
artists of our time. Perlman is an extraordinary
violinist who celebrates his 70th birthday with a
recital alongside pianist Emanuel Ax. | 7 p.m. The
Granada Theatre, 1214 State St. 805/899-2222,
artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu.

22
www.sullivangoss.com

Tommy Emmanuel
Tommy Emmanuel, a master of many genres, is a
talented guitarist and instrumentalist. Emmanuel is

24
Salman Khan
Spend an afternoon with Salman
Khan, founder of the well-known
Khan Academy, which offers over
6,000 instructional videos and
changed the way people think about
education. The MIT and Harvard
graduate is also the author of The
One World School House. | 3 p.m.
The Granada Theatre, 1214 State
St. 805/899-2222, artsandlectures.
sa.ucsb.edu.

27
Culture Clash
Join Culture Clash—actors Ric
Salinas, Herbert Siguenza and
Richard Montoya—as they retell stories from their childhoods in Muse &
Morros. The group traveled throughout the country, collected stories and
gave a voice to the voiceless. | 8 p.m.
Campbell Hall, University of California.
805/893-3535, artsandlectures.
sa.ucsb.edu.

29–Mar. 25
Ed Inks
Longtime Santa Barbara City
College 3D Design and Sculpture
Professor Ed Inks, who is retiring,
has a one-man show on view at
Atkinson Gallery on campus. “The

21st-century Post-Modern artist is
motivated by a search for answers.
It is my job to set each student on
a path of discovery—encouraging
clarity in the communication and
development of personal concepts,”
writes Inks. “I was born into a
generation of artists whose education
was grounded in the simple, reductive
forms of Minimalism, but also by the
irreverence of neo-dada. I choose
to create works that have multiple
meanings and levels of experiences.
My work suggests an ‘everyday’
simplicity, through complex narrative
associations and rhythmic, whimsical
forms.” | 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Mon.–Fri.
Atkinson Gallery, Santa Barbara City
College, 721 Cliff Dr. 805/965-0581
ext. 3484, http://gallery.sbcc.edu.

31
Yamato: The
Drummers of Japan
The renowned Yamato ensemble
returns for another energetic performance of Japanese taiko drumming,
which includes controlled rhythms and
movements inspired by the human
heart. This unifying performance is
not one to miss. | 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Campbell Hall, University of California.
805/893-3535, artsandlectures.
sa.ucsb.edu.

Black History Month
Worship & Celebration
Visions of Hope presents a free celebration of a century of black history,
life and culture. This annual event
brings the community together with
Gospel music and a spiritual message with a vision of hope. | 3 p.m.
Marjorie Luke Theatre, 721 E. Cota St.,
805/319-1762, visionsofhope@cox.net.

February

On Exhibit Now

Alfred R. Mitchell

(1888–1972)

On The Desert, c. 1929, oil on board, 16” x 20”
Overview: Born in Pennsylvania, Alfred R. Mitchell studied
under Maurice Braun at San Diego Academy of Art, and
under Daniel Garber and Edward Redfield at Pennsylvania
Academy of Fine Arts. He developed into a bold impressionist painter and returned to San Diego, where he remained
until his death. There he became a major influence in the
art community, was president of San Diego Art Guild and
was a founding member of Laguna Beach Art Association,
La Jolla Art Association and Contemporary Artists of San
Diego. Mitchell exhibited throughout his career, and his work
is in the collections of numerous museums and institutions.
Gallery: Stewart Fine Art
215 W. Mission St., Santa Barbara
805/845-0255, dianestewartfineart.com
SBADA MEMBER

2
Cloud Gate Dance Theatre
One of the finest dance companies
in the world, the Cloud Gate dancers’
unique style is a mixture of martial
arts, modern dance and ballet. The
incredible choreography portrays
the very essence of Taiwan. | 8 p.m.
The Granada Theatre, 1214 State
St. 805/899-2222, artsandlectures.
sa.ucsb.edu. k

k

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WINTER DATEBOOK

3–13
Santa Barbara
International Film Festival
Dedicated to discovering and showcasing the best in independent and
international cinema, Santa Barbara
International Film Festival offers 10
days of more than 200 films, tributes
and symposiums that range from
American indie films to world cinema
and everything in between. The 31st
annual festival transforms beautiful
downtown Santa Barbara into a rich
destination for film lovers. | Various
locations, downtown Santa Barbara.
805/963-0023, sbiff.org.

Cameron Carpenter
Organist Cameron Carpenter’s work
is revolutionary and exemplary. His
album If You Could Read My Mind
was No. 1 after its U.S. release. With
original compositions, transcriptions
and arrangements, his repertoire
is the largest and most diverse of
any organist. | 7 p.m. The Granada

Overview: Born in Monterey, Mexico in 1871, Alfredo Ramos
Martinez studied at Academia Nacional de Belles Artes in Mexico
City. As a young artist, he caught the attention of Phoebe Hearst,
who arranged financial support for him while he studied and
worked in Paris. His artwork was included in exhibitions at Los Angeles County Museum of Art, San Diego Art Gallery and Palace
of the Legion of Honor in San Francisco. Martinez painted many
murals and frescoes, including Santa Barbara Cemetery Chapel.
Gallery: James Main Fine Art
27 E. De la Guerra St., Santa Barbara
805/962-8347, jamesmainfineart.com
SBADA MEMBER

40

South Pacific
Part of the Rodgers & Hammerstein
film series, South Pacific tells the love
story of a couple during World War
II and is the only musical to win Tony
awards in all four acting categories.
| 2 p.m., 7 p.m. The Granada Theatre,

SBSEASONS.COM

Theatre, 1214 State St. 805/899-2222,
artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu.

11–Mar. 6
The Pirates of Penzance
Gilbert and Sullivan’s hilarious
musical farce The Pirates of Penzance
sails on stage in Santa Maria. Young
Frederic must endure sentimental
pirates, bumbling bobbies and an

13–14
Rachmaninoff’s Most Popular
Santa Barbara Symphony presents
legendary Russian composer Sergei
Rachmaninoff’s Most Popular.
Rachmaninoff is one of the greatest
pianists and conductors of his time.
The symphony features his best work
in a special performance by guest
conductor James Judd and pianist
Ian Parker. | Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m.
The Granada Theatre, 1214 State St.
805/899-2222, granadasb.org.

15
The Great Debaters
The Great Debaters, part of the
Movies that Matter film series, stars
Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker
and Kimberly Elise. The movie tells
the story of a young professor in
Texas who changes the civil rights
movement. | 7 p.m. The Granada
Theatre, 1214 State St. 805/899-2222,
granadasb.org.

16–17
The Producers
Smash hit The Producers tells the tale
of theatrical producer Max Bialystock
and accountant Leo Bloom as they
commit the ultimate scam. The musical took Broadway by storm; earned
many Tony awards and is one of the
funniest shows around. | 7:30 p.m.
The Granada Theatre, 1214 State St.
805/899-2222, granadasb.org.

17
Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton
Talented Lisa Fischer has been a

backup singer for the Rolling Stones, Sting, Chris
Botti and countless others over the past 20 years.
She was recently showcased in the documentary 20
Feet from Stardom. This marks her Santa Barbara
debut. | 8 p.m. Campbell Hall, University of California.
805/893-3535, artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu.

20
Don Quixote
A timeless classic, Don Quixote comes alive at
The Granada Theatre with lively characters and
astounding dances. The love story tells of an
innkeeper’s daughter, Kitri, and barber Basilio in
Spain. | 7:30 p.m. The Granada Theatre, 1214 State
St. 805/899-2222, granadasb.org.

21
The Okee Dokee Brothers
The Okee Dokee Brothers—Justin Lansing and Joe
Mailander—have explored nature together since
their childhood. As adults, they share their love for
nature through their music. The Grammy-winning
band’s American folk music inspires listeners and
reminds them that adventure is out there. | 3 p.m.
Campbell Hall, University of California, 805/8933535, artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu.

21–22
The Silk Road Ensemble with Yo-Yo Ma
Celebrating 15 years, The Silk Road Ensemble with
Yo-Yo Ma returns to Santa Barbara for two nights.
The ensemble, comprised of musicians from around
the world, allows a truly spectacular, globally
inspired performance not to be missed. | Sun. 7

March 4th & 5th, 2016
The allure of Pinot Noir on the American Riviera.
Friday & Saturday tastings featuring more than
225 winery participants pouring Pinot Noir
complemented by wine country appetizers
from Executive Chef Vincent Lesage
and the Bacara culinary team.
Two full days of tastings, seminars,
culinary excellence and
wine country camaraderie.

28
Renée Fleming
Diva and soprano Renée Fleming recently received
the National Medal of Arts from President Obama
and her fourth Grammy Award for her collection of
French music, Poémes. Fleming has played many
roles, such as hostess at The Met’s Live in HD series
and lead in Metropolitan Opera’s production of
Rusalka. Don’t miss Fleming as she astounds Santa
Barbara with her talents | 2 p.m. Campbell Hall,
University of California. 805/893-3535, artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu.

ARTIST STUDIOS abound in and
around Santa Barbara, especially in Painted Cave, where
Nadya Penoff lives and works.
But hers is likely the only one
dedicated to the art of creating
Byzantine-style stained glass
windows for installations in
Orthodox churches from Kauai
to New Jersey to Kenya.
Her strongest artistic influence is Theophanes the Cretan,
a 16th-century monk whose
distinctive frescoes and icons
in the monasteries on Mount
Athos and elsewhere around
Greece are considered among
the finest in the world.
In her airy atelier, she
creates sacred works in this
ancient art form out of carefully
selected sheets of hand-blown
antique glass and strips of lead.
When the artwork requires
fine details—as in the faces of
saints—she hand-paints them
onto glass that is then fired at
1250 degrees.
St. Barbara Greek Orthodox
Church was her first big commission. In 1987, she fashioned
40 windows of alabaster and
iridescent glass—etched, jeweled and beveled—for the
breathtaking sanctuary nestled
in the foothills of Santa Barbara.
“On St. Barbara’s Day, December
4, when the sun is very low, one
of the bevels shines right on
the face of the icon screen of
St. Barbara. I wish I could take

42

SBSEASONS.COM

credit for that,
but I can’t. It just
gives me chills,”
she says.
She’s currently working on 14
windows that
are 16.5 feet tall
and 4 feet wide,
for a church in
Philadelphia.
The huge windows depicting
many saints—
including a
hauntingly
beautiful St.
Barbara—are
shipped in pieces, three panels
per crate, custom-built by a carpenter. Penoff keeps her fingers
crossed that they arrive safely
on the other side of the country.
In her commissions, Penoff
typically works with architects, contractors, priests and
big church donors—usually
all men—while retaining her
feminine perspective. In an art
form traditionally pursued by
men, she admits that she feels
a special responsibility when
painting the faces of female
saints in the distinctively flat
and rigid Byzantine style. “I try
to make their skin a little more
delicate color, choose glass
that’s a little more pink. I make
them distinct from one another
by changing their expressions
a bit, changing the shape of a

Top: This stained glass window of St.
Barbara was painted in Byzantine style, recently installed at St. Luke Greek Orthodox
Church in Broomall, PA. It is one of 98 panels Nadya Penoff and her crew is creating
for the church near Philadelphia. Below:
The stairwell to the choir loft of St. Barbara
Greek Orthodox Church in Santa Barbara.

PHOTOS (TOP-BOTTOM): COURTESY NADYA PENOFF, MIKE PAHOS

BY CHERI R AE

“I want the windows to help put
someone in the frame of mind to
have a feeling of awe, to experience
a richness and an exquisiteness
that allows them to be more
receptive to a spiritual connection
so that their sensibility is changed
when they enter the sacred space.”
— NADYA PENOFF

mouth, making their expressions a little
more loving.”
It’s a profound responsibility to create the windows of a sacred space. To be
in control of the amount, direction and
intensity of light that’s both transmitted
and reflected. To create a warm glow in the
interior and a beckoning presence in the
exterior. To craft the interplay between
moving sunlight and the prismatic effects
of sunbeams and rainbows.
“I try to look at the big picture,” Penoff
explains, “to consider all the artwork in
the church, the iconography, the building design and how they complement one
another. To me, it’s more about the whole
effect than the single window, making the
whole sacred space harmonious.”
She reflects, “I want the windows to
help put someone in the frame of mind to
have a feeling of awe, to experience a richness and an exquisiteness that allows them
to be more receptive to a spiritual connection so that their sensibility is changed
when they enter the sacred space. That’s
what I care about.” 

YOU MAY HAVE SEEN some of Nadya Penoff’s
colorful secular work in the community. For
more than a decade, she taught Adult Ed
classes through Santa Barbara City College,
working with her students to create the
nautical-themed window at Santa Barbara
Maritime Museum, the inspirational doors at
Transition House and an installation at Direct
Relief International. Her work decorates the
homes of several recognizable Hollywood
actors and rock stars, and provides a bit of
reading whimsy in the children’s section of
the library in Vandenberg Village. Her artist’s
statement dedicates that bright window to her
son and all who struggle with dyslexia.

Pick Your
Own Produce
Fill your basket fresh off the farm for a real,
down-to-earth experience.

SURROUNDED BY golden oakstudded hills with a brilliant
blue sky overhead and a soft
breeze, we wander up and
down neatly planted rows
chock-full of juicy red raspberries
and strawberries glistening
in the sun, ripe for the pickin’.
And, yes, we are picking. Here
at The Farm•Stead (2323
Old Coast Hwy Rd., Gaviota,
310/918-9400, farmsteadca.
com), nestled between
Buellton and Gaviota, you can
pick your own organic produce,
depending on the season,
from berries, husk cherries
and string beans to tomatoes,
pumpkins and cut flowers.
This little corner of heaven
has a rich agricultural history.
Homesteader Natale Giorgi
settled here in 1898, first operating the farm as a dairy, and
then transitioning to grain and
row crops. The farm stayed in
the Giorgi family for generations, and was sold in 2011 to a
neighboring family with a deep
love for the land and a vision
of letting it remain agricultural and sustainable for future
generations.

Farm to Abel
Abel Basch came on in July
2014 and quickly filled wellworn boots as the new farmer.
His 10-acre farm oozes rustic
charm and is a picture-perfect
model of sustainability. Everything grown on the farm

44

SBSEASONS.COM

is certified organic, and it’s
all (except what you pick)
sold at the Farm•Stead shop,
which is housed in a vintage
weathered-wood and tin barn.
The expanded weekend market
offers more local products such
as homemade baked goods,
honey, eggs, granola, cold brew
coffee and olive oil (open daily;
check their website for current
offerings).
Farmer Abel, sporting a
perpetual smile and tattered
straw hat, is a passionate
practitioner of permaculture,
which he studied at a fivemonth program in Israel. He
believes in the philosophy’s
practices of working with,
rather than against, nature.
“For instance, we’re growing
cilantro year-round—it attracts
beneficial insects. You don’t
have to use pesticides.”
Everything is put to good use
on the farm. Leftover veggies
are tossed in a tub that visitors
can use to feed the resident
Kune Kune pigs, Sicilian mini
donkeys, llamas and Nigerian
dwarf goats, which graze happily on the hillside behind the
farm shop. Abel also puts up
the farm’s bounty of berries in
preserves (strawberry-with-ahint-of-mint jam, anyone?) and
confesses, “I was up until midnight making ketchup last night!”
After filling your baskets in
the U-pick rows, visiting the
animals and stocking up at the

Above: The Farm•Stead experience
includes meeting both farm animals
and the farmer Abel Basch, as well
as opportunities to pick your own
produce or purchase directly from
the shop. Opposite: At Santa Barbara Blueberries you can pick your
own fruit or buy at the farm stand.

farm shop, you’ll want to wander around a bit. As Abel says,
“Walk around the fields and
check it out…it’s your food!”

Clusters of other farms in
Santa Ynez Valley offer U-pick
options. Just down the road
from The Farm•Stead is Santa
Barbara Blueberries at Restoration Oaks Ranch (1980 US Hwy.
101, Gaviota, 805/686-5718,

santabarbarablueberries.com),
where you can pluck raspberries and blueberries and pick
up some organic produce at
their farm stand while you’re
at it. Blueberries start ripening in June and July, but if the
weather is especially cooperative, they may open as early as
April and go into August or
September. On a good day, you
can easily pick a couple pounds
of blueberries in 15 minutes.
Take ’em home and check the
ranch website for mouthwatering recipes like lemon raspberry muffins and blueberry
bourbon barbecue sauce.
Summerset Farm (3450
Baseline Ave., Santa Ynez,
805/245-0989) is a picturesque
produce stand and U-pick
berry farm where you can
help yourself to herbicide- and
pesticide-free raspberries,
blackberries and strawberries

in their seasons from June until
the end of October. Proprietor
Sally Maher gives pickers their
baskets, points them in the
right direction and encourages,
“Take two for yourself and one
for the basket…and if you’re
really enthusiastic, you can
pull some weeds for me.” Fall
brings a giant pumpkin patch
with pumpkins, squash and
gourds galore against a backdrop of golden sunflowers.

Sweet Rewards
After a day down on the farm,
you’ve earned your bragging
rights to spotlight your tomatoes in a fresh salad, serve up
that berry pie or cobbler, swirl
them into a smoothie or devour
them straight up—the added
satisfaction that you’ve done
the picking yourself makes
them taste all the sweeter. 

NOVEMBER 2009 was a tense
month for the homeless in
Santa Barbara. At least 27 of
their comrades had died since
January—a record for a seaside
resort where the average low in
winter is 40°. As Thanksgiving
approached that year, doctors,
nurses and social workers who
advocate for the homeless were
on edge. A big storm was moving in, and the regular winter
shelter wasn’t scheduled to
open for two weeks. Hundreds
of vulnerable people would be
bedding down in wet doorways
and muddy ravines to who
knows what effect.
In Santa Barbara, the
advocates who look out for
this population are an intrepid
bunch, often fierce and always
resourceful. After asking the
city’s main shelter, Casa Esperanza, to open early and getting
a resounding “no” for an
answer, they took matters into
their own hands; they started
calling churches. Luckily, the
rector at the very first church,
Trinity Episcopal Church, said
yes, as long as they were peaceful and left things tidy, the
homeless could sleep in their
parish hall that weekend.
It was a bumpy catch-ascatch-can start to what has
become a well-organized and
mostly volunteer-based system
of ensuring that this famously
affluent city is able to keep its
homeless residents out of harm’s
way in inclement weather.
Not long after that first

46

SBSEASONS.COM

weekend, advocates named the
organization Freedom Warming
Centers, to honor a homeless
man who died of hypothermia
early the next month. Paul
Bradshaw, a.k.a. Freedom, fell
asleep in his wheelchair at
the foot of Stearns Wharf on a
rainy December night; having
eschewed the crowd and the
prohibition on inebriants at the
big shelter, he took his chances
in the elements and lost. His
core temperature fell to 79°.
This winter will be Freedom Warming Centers’ seventh
season, and signs are pointing
to an El Niño. If it materializes,
volunteers and staff will be
busy, at least busier than last
winter, when they activated
only 27 nights but served 1,200
individuals in the process.
Freedom Warming Centers
runs on a shoestring and is
faith-based on the giving and
receiving ends. Ninety percent
of the time, churches provide
the accommodations, usually
on 48–72 hours notice. Four
downtown congregations rotate responsibility for providing
shelter between November 15
and March 31. Other congregations provide gently used
clothes and other tangibles.
Churches in Carpinteria, Isla
Vista and Santa Maria also step
up to offer accommodations
when weather triggers warrant
them. Parishioners of whichever church is on deck supply a
simple supper and at least two
paid monitors remain on the

In Santa Barbara, the advocates who look out for
the homeless population are an intrepid bunch,
often fierce and always resourceful.
premises overnight—making
sure things remain peaceful and
the space is left spic and span in
the morning. Guests routinely
help out by cleaning, waking
early to make coffee and other
small tasks that need doing.
Rev. Julia Hamilton, lead
minister at Santa Barbara Unitarian Society, which serves
as the organizations’ fiscal
agent, says the people who
avail themselves of the rotating shelters—which are now
countywide—are those who
don’t do well in crowded, noisy
dormitory-type situations that
often have strictly enforced
rules, including prohibitions
on being under the influence
of any kind of substance. The
warming centers require
only that guests be peaceful,
respectful of one another and
the environment. The trust has
come to flow in both directions.
Ed Wesson, director of
operations, remembers an

evening when he was busy
checking people in at the
Unitarian Society. Guests
had formed a line in front of
his table. A man, new to the
assembly, turned his head and
spat on the concrete path. Before Wesson could respond, five
other guests in line—who were
regulars—read him the riot act.
“We don’t do that here, man,”
said one guest. Another blurted,
“That’s so disrespectful.” Wesson didn’t have to do a thing.
The centers work because
the people who use them have
come to trust the staff, he says,
as he recalled one man in particular. “The only time he talks
to anyone is when he comes to
the warming centers.” 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

or to donate to Freedom
Warming Centers, please
call 805/452-5466 or email
warmingcenters@ussb.org.

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students pursue their passions â&#x20AC;&#x201C;
everything from chemistry
to nursing to culinary arts.

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you change lives through education.

Give the gift of opportunity.
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Flights of Fancy
When Santa Barbara County almost
launched a Space Shuttle Enterprise
BY BRET T LEIGH DICKS

IT WAS A SIGHT TO BEHOLD.

With the rugged beauty of
Santa Barbara’s north county
coastline at its feet and the
Santa Ynez Mountains offering
a dramatic backdrop, the Space
Shuttle Enterprise stood on
the launch pad of Vandenberg
Air Force Base’s Space Launch
Complex 6, coupled to its solid
rocket boosters and foreboding
external tank.
In early 1985, the Enterprise
was flown by Space Shuttle
Discovery to Vandenberg for

48

SBSEASONS.COM

flight vehicle verification tests
in preparation for the shuttle’s
inaugural launch from SLC-6.
Fifteen years in the making,
Discovery’s launch in October
1986 would have heralded the
west coast’s induction into
manned space exploration.
But all that changed on the
morning of January 28, 1986,
when Space Shuttle Challenger
broke apart 73 seconds after
liftoff from Kennedy Space Center at Florida’s Cape Canaveral.
Robert Crippen, commander

of the forthcoming Vandenberg
mission, watched the ill-fated
launch from New Mexico. The
seven-man Discovery crew was
undertaking payload training
at Sandia National Laboratories
and paused to watch the launch
on television.
“That accident had ramifications on so many levels,” Crippen
explains, during a recent interview about Vandenberg’s role in
the space shuttle program. “We
lost some very good friends, the
shuttle fleet was grounded and
the launches out of Vandenberg
were ultimately scrapped.”
Established in 1971 to review
possible launch and recovery sites
for NASA’s proposed space shuttle program, the Shuttle Launch
and Recovery Board came up
with two possible options in
1972—Kennedy Space Center and
Vandenberg Air Force Base.

Needing a coastal launch
site due to the shuttle’s ballistic
water-recoverable solid rocket
booster concept and wanting
to avoid acquiring further land,
Kennedy was selected because of
its easterly launch projection and
Vandenberg for its polar orbits.
While a number of sites were
considered, the shuttle program eventually found a home
at Vandenberg’s Space Launch
Complex 6, with construction
commencing in 1979.
Originally constructed for
the United States Air Force’s
aborted Manned Orbiting
Laboratory, the launch facility was mothballed when the
program was cancelled in 1969.
Resurrecting the site for the
NASA–Air Force collaboration
and refitting it to Space Shuttle
configuration ultimately cost
more than $4 billion.

PHOTOS COURTESY U.S. NATIONAL ARCHIVES

REARVIEW MIRROR

Opposite: The space shuttle Enterprise is parked
atop its specially designed 76-wheel transporter
at Space Launch Complex Six. In the background
is the payload changeout room. This page: An
overhead view of the Space Shuttle Enterprise
moving toward the shuttle assembly building at Space Launch Complex Six aboard its
specially-designed 76-wheel transporter.

W I N T E R 2 015/16

49

Unlike Kennedy Space Center, where the shuttle, booster
rockets and external tank
were assembled in the vehicle
assembly plant and rolled to
the launch pad, Vandenberg’s
spacecraft was to be “stacked”
at the launch pad, with
payloads readied in adjacent
cleanrooms.
A new launch tower with an
escape system for the shuttle
crew was added, as were two
flame ducts for the shuttle’s
solid rocket boosters. Liquid
hydrogen and oxygen storage
tanks, payload preparation and
change-out facilities, and a
shuttle assembly building were
added to the original complex.
The existing 5,500-foot
Vandenberg runway was also
lengthened to 15,000 feet to
accommodate potential end-ofmission landings, and SLC-6
was declared operational
during a ceremony held on

October 15, 1985.
“Myself and the rest of
the Discovery crew visited
Vandenberg several times in
preparation for our flight and
were actually out there when
Enterprise was on the pad for
the fit check,” Crippen says.
“That was an impressive sight.”
The shuttle’s orbital flights
got underway at Kennedy
Space Center on April 12, 1981,
with the successful launch of
STS-1. For the two-day mission,
the two-man crew included
John Young as commander and
Crippen as pilot.
“I thought it was going to
be difficult to get the vehicle
off the ground because it was
such a complicated thing,”
Crippen says of the inaugural
orbital launch.
“When we lifted off, the main
thought going through my mind
was, ‘Don’t let me screw up.’ A
lot of folks had worked very

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PHOTOS COURTESY U.S. NATIONAL ARCHIVES

REARVIEW MIRROR

hard to get us to that point, and
I certainly didn’t want to be the
one who somehow didn’t make
it successful.”
A further 23 missions
departed from Kennedy Space
Center prior to the ill-fated
Challenger launch, and in the
wake of the tragedy, both work
at SLC-6 and the program
itself came to a halt.
“The shuttle program immediately went into the Challenger investigation and stopped
all activity at Vandenberg,”
explains Charles B. Mars,
who was NASA’s chief shuttle
project engineer and served
as NASA’s activation chief for
Vandenberg.”
In the aftermath of the
Challenger accident, the space
shuttle program was overhauled,
resulting in the cancellation of
the Vandenberg launches and
the facility’s closure.
“Challenger was why

Vandenberg was scrapped,”
Mars says. “We had one major
issue at the Vandenberg pad
that was still being worked on.
When the main engines fired,
the exhaust went into the tunnel, and if they had to be shut
off for some reason, there was
a backpressure that could have
blown the ass end of the shuttle.
“We had a solution and then
Challenger occurred. There
was politics at play. Some of the
Air Force guys wanted to stay
with the big expendable launch
Opposite: The Space Shuttle Enterprise in launch position on
the Space Launch Complex (SLC)
#6, commonly known as “SLICK 6,”
during the ready-to-launch checks
to verify launch procedures. This
page: An air-to-air left side view of
the space shuttle orbiter Discovery
atop a NASA Boeing 747 carrier
aircraft as it flies over the SpaceLaunch Complex No. 6.

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REARVIEW MIRROR

“When we lifted off, the main thought going through my mind was,
‘Don’t let me screw up.’ A lot of folks had worked very hard to get us
to that point, and I certainly didn’t want to be the one who somehow
didn’t make it successful.”
— COM M ANDER ROBERT CRIPPEN, PILOT OF STS-1

52

SBSEASONS.COM

vehicles instead of the shuttle,
and that gave them all the ammunition they needed to shut
down the shuttle out there.”
After the cancelation of
STS-62-A, Crippen never flew
another space shuttle mission.
A Naval aviator who went
through the U.S. Air Force
Aerospace Research Pilot
School at Edwards Air Force
Base before being recruited for
the MOL program, Crippen
joined NASA in 1969. In addition to piloting the inaugural
space shuttle orbital mission,
he commanded three further
shuttle flights before serving
as director of the space shuttle
program at NASA in Washington D.C. and then as director of
Kennedy Space Center.
Looking back across his
distinguished tenure with
manned space flight, he has
only one regret. “If I have one
disappointment in my flying
career, it was that I never got
to fly out of Vandenberg,” says
Crippen, who was twice scheduled to launch from the facility,
first with the MOL program
and then on a space shuttle. “I
really wanted to do that.
“I think it was a mistake
that the Air Force didn’t get to
take advantage of the vehicle.
I believe flying missions out of
Vandenberg would have contributed a great deal.” 

PHOTO: COURTESY U.S. NATIONAL ARCHIVES

An overall view of the Space Shuttle Enterprise in launch position on
the Space Launch Complex (SLC)
#6, commonly known as “SLICK 6,”
during the ready-to-launch checks
to verify launch procedures.

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RE AL ESTATE FE ATUR ED LIS TING

Las Cascadas
Stately hacienda livingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;an
artful melding of Old Spain and
the charm of Santa Barbara
East Mountain Drive in Montecito
Offered at $12,950,000

5 bedroom suites
8 full baths,
powder room
Separate staff
quarters

Year built 1990
12,000 sq. f t.
(main house)
Approx. 3 acres

A

rchitecturally designed by Loren
Solin and constructed as an authentic Spanish hacienda in 1990,
the splendor and grandeur of Las Cascadas is expressed in superior craftsmanship,
artistic detail and design, abounding in the
spirit of a true hacienda, with hand-sculpted stone quarried on the estate, imported
54

cantera columns, Saltillo tile, carved
stone fireplaces, beautiful fountains
and expansive terraces.
A beautiful gateway and an elegant, gently curving driveway leads
to a stately motor court. An archway
leads to a lushly landscaped interior
courtyard behind adobe walls, then
into a dramatic galleria and the Sala
Grande, with its hand-painted, handhewn beams and 14-foot ceilings. A
unique cantina, framed in cantera
stone, invites enjoyment of the charm
and hospitality of a bygone era.
The dining room, with its exquisite
chandelier of grand proportions and
tall glass doors leading to a covered
terrace, overlooks the gardens and
a swimming pool, and offers an
impressive ocean view. A magnificent
gourmet kitchen and informal dining
area with private terrace features
quality appliances and convenience.
The master bedroom suite
includes a marble bath, and each
of the three spacious bedroom
suites offers a private tiled bath and
handpainted fireplace with authentic
Spanish design motifs. The bedroom
wing of the estate is enhanced with a
private courtyard and fountain.
In total, the estate includes nine
fireplaces, gentlemen’s and ladies’
studies, an immense recreation
room, home theater, exercise gym
and four-car garage.
Outside, an old-world aqueduct
gently moves water from a courtyard
fountain that cascades into the 20’ x
50’ heated swimming pool and spa,
complemented with a large poolside
cabana for guests and an excellent
area for entertaining.
Luxurious in scale, lavish in detail,
Las Cascadas offers California living
at its very best.

W I N T E R 2 015/16

55

A STAR
FOR A DAY
THE SANTA BARBARA SPA EXPERIENCE
WRIT TEN BY NANC Y A . SHOBE
PHOTOGR APHED BY C AR A ROBBINS

“A MASSAGE IS JUST LIKE A
MOVIE, REALLY RELAXING AND
A TOTAL ESCAPE, EXCEPT IN A
MASSAGE YOU’RE THE STAR. AND
YOU DON’T MISS ANYTHING BY
FALLING ASLEEP!”
— ELIZ ABETH JANE HOWARD, AUTHOR , MR. WRONG

W I N T E R 2 015/16

57

FOUR SEASONS RESORT THE BILTMORE

0

n many an afternoon, I stroll along
the sandy shores of Butterfly Beach
in Montecito and then drift across
the street into the Four Seasons
Resort The Biltmore’s resplendent gardens. It’s active
relaxation for me—going from the roar of the ocean to
the trill of the garden birds.
Relaxation is most often discovered in nature…and
in spas.
Rave reviews about the Biltmore’s Palm Nail Suite
recently piqued my curiosity. After all, how different
can one pedicure be from another?
I resolve to find out one afternoon. Instead of my
dipping my toes into the warm waters off of Butterfly
Beach, I decide to dip them into the Palm Nail Suite
right across the street. My birthday is near and I deserve “star” treatment or at least “star” feet, I convince
myself with a laugh.
I wind my way through The Biltmore’s lush 22-acre
gardens. Birds trill. Palms sway. Flowers bloom in rich
semi-tropical colors. A regal flow of Spanish-Colonial
styled rooms and suites greet me.
The Biltmore is so quietly sophisticated and beautifully graceful that it’s like meeting royalty on a casual
stroll. This quintessentially “old California” resort
has always has been one of my favorites. It’s also local
actress Katie Thatcher’s favorite. She says, “I like The
Biltmore because of its old-world charm. I love the feel
of walking into the building and thinking about when
it was first built and who was there. Their spa is very
lovely…it’s a class act.”
As the nail technician, Ute, opens the door into the
Palm Nail Suite, expansive, unobstructed ocean views
greet me. Open French doors invite in warm ocean
breezes and the delicate scent of roses blooming in the
garden below. I sit back on the soft spa bench, lower
my feet into the water and close my eyes. Ute begins
to work, gently massaging my feet. I am lulled into a
trance-like calm. Truly, I’ve never had a more luxurious
pedicure experience.
When Ute finishes, she hands me a brochure of The
Biltmore’s vast menu of facials, massages, body scrubs
and wraps. I’m tempted to try their signature detoxifying seaweed body wrap but I decide to wait.
Instead I marvel at how my toenails match the burnt
orange of the setting sun over the Pacific. If a mere pedicure feels this good, what would a massage feel like?

Beauty is everywhere Eliot Spaulding looks during a day of
indulgence at The Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore. Photos by
Cara Robbins.

WARNING: THE SANTA BARBARA SPA
EXPERIENCE IS ADDICTIVE.
For my next spa-hhh experience, I choose the Bacara
Resort.
Wafts of fragrant eucalyptus greet me when I open
the massive wooden doors into the spa. The last time
I smelled such a heady fragrance was when I strolled
through the Rivera’s Franceschi Park after a winter
rainstorm.
I inhale, count to ten in my head and exhale. My
shoulders fall away from my ears; my stomach starts
to unknot. Cares? What cares do I have, I tell myself? I
handed them over with my keys to the valet attendant.
Once inside the women’s lounge, I open my locker
and remove a plush Frette robe. I wrap myself in it, slip
on my spa sandals and shuffle upstairs to the waiting
room, where I await my Swedish massage.
Bacara’s 42,000-square-foot luxury spa has so many
amenities that if my get-up-and-go hadn’t got-up-andwent; I would have arrived earlier and indulged in its
newly remodeled fitness room. Filled with brand new
Precor machines, it’s the largest fitness room I’ve ever
seen in a resort hotel.
My masseuse arrives with Swiss precision. Fiftyminutes later, I emerge, barely able to shuffle back to
the woman’s lounge. The aromatherapy and seaweed
pack, combined with a relaxing Swedish massage, have
turned me into absolute putty.
I should get dressed and go home, but every ounce
of me screams, “No.” Instead, I grab my swimsuit and
head to the adult-only saline spa pool conveniently
located outside the spa doors.
I sit on a lounger that’s still catching the late-day
sun. “Good choice,” a twenty-something man several
loungers away says to me. He’s visiting from New York,
a copyright attorney on a trip with his father, a Broadway producer. I ask him how he’s enjoying his stay. He
says, “It’s been awesome. Everything’s perfect. My dad
and I had great massages yesterday.”
If it weren’t past lunchtime, I would order something
from Chef Vincent Lesage’s inspired menu at the Spa
Café. Instead, I step into the water and begin to talk to
a woman who is floating effortlessly on her back. She’s
here for a girlfriend getaway, she says, for a friend’s
50th. It’s the perfect birthday venue.
After 30 laps, I am back in the women’s lounge and
ready to call it a night. A relaxing massage. A salt-water
swim. What could possibly add to the experience?
As I grab a towel, I spot the Eucalyptus Steam Room.
Okay, maybe there is one more thing.
I walk into the dense steam, take a deep breath,
count to ten and exhale.
The Spa at Bacara Resort has a variety of indoor and outdoor options, enjoyed here by Eliot Spaulding. Photos by Cara Robbins.

BACARA RESORT

BELMOND EL ENCANTO

My next stop is the Belmond El Encanto luxury resort.
Located on the tony Riviera and rated as Forbes’ only
five-star resort in Santa Barbara, Belmond El Encanto
has views over the city to the ocean and seven acres of
lusciously landscaped gardens and Eucalyptus trees.
What was once beautifully old-fashioned has been
transformed into elegantly chic. Sculpture, glass and
art add an elite sophistication. Behind the front desk on
the wall is Yoshimoto Sarto’s 120 prayers, consisting of
bronze coated pinecones. It’s worth a visit just to see
this installation.
I descend a grand spiral staircase toward the boutique spa. Today I have an 80-minute You Are Beautiful
treatment, which begins with an organic sugar, espresso and cacao with banana blossom exfoliation.
“Oops,” I say. “I didn’t realize it contains espresso.
I’m allergic.” Massage therapist Cat deftly revises the
treatment to one with a citrus and strawberry base and
begins the exfoliation.
After exfoliation, Cat continues with the original
You are Beautiful treatment by applying flower petal
moisturizing milk mask (coconut milk). It draws out
impurities. I am then wrapped in a foil blanket while
Cat massages my scalp and feet. Once unwrapped and
showered, Cat gives me an incredible massage with
mimosa flower and honey oil with peony flower. The
scent is intoxicating.
Afterward, I can’t find the women’s lounge because I
am in an altered state. Cat smiles as she shows me the way
and offers me a complimentary glass of Prosecco. I’m so
blissed out; yet, I know, its time for me to get back to work.
Darn. Belmond El Encanto’s infinity-edged pool will
have to wait, as will their signature seasonal body scrub,
which is peppermint for winter.
While I wait for the valet to bring my car, I catch a
scent of something I have smelled before. It is the faint
scent of eucalyptus, the trees that dot the Riviera.
Rumor has it that Santa Barbara’s spa experience will
soon be even more posh and plushy. San Ysidro Ranch in
Montecito and Chumash Casino Resort & Spa in Santa
Ynez Valley are both currently remodeling their spas
into what will prove to be, I am sure, even more luxurious spas with more diverse menus. I can’t wait.
For my final spa experience in my Santa Barbara
round robin, I visit Alchemy Wellness Spa, an independent spa and wellness center founded by healing
specialist Emma Narachi, located downtown on the
corner of Haley and Chapala streets.
I enter the spa through its café. Aromatic smells
greet me along with authentic Moorish windows and
arches. I swear I have just rubbed Aladdin’s lamp, and
my wishes have been granted.
Belmond El Encanto’s spa treatments draw inspiration from the
surrounding natural landscape. Couples massage photo courtesy Belmond El Encanto; all other photos by Cara Robbins.

ALCHEMY WELLNESS SPA

Alchemy is a spa with a commitment to wellness. The finest wellness techniques of the East and
West have been combined into an interesting menu
of services: Aurasoma color therapy, IsoPod flotation
experience, adrenal restore, chakra wellbeing, reiki and
oxygen facials.
When I ask Narachi why she founded the spa, she
says, “I went on a retreat to Thailand . . . I had not
experienced that kind of freedom since I was a child.
And, I thought, why do I have to go all the way across
the world why isn’t there anything like that here? My
vision was that I was always going to be doing my healing work.”
Renowned yogi Siddhi Ellinghoven teaches classes
and hold cleanses at Alchemy. And Alchemy Café chef
Jose Nava integrates Chinese medicine, western herbalism, nutrition and scientific research into dynamic
seasonal cuisine that makes the café a sumptuous experience. I indulged in some Alchemy rolls and shitake
mushroom soup. Yum.
With a satiated body and spirit, my Santa Barbara spa
odyssey is now complete. How grateful I am that I’ve
been a spa star for not one, not two, but four days. Four
full days of relaxation. Ah, life is good in Santa Barbara. 
Treatments at Alchemy Wellness Spa go beyond the superficial
to nourish you as they relax and rejuvenate their bodies and
souls. Photos courtesy Alchemy Wellness Spa.

A BOUNTY OF BLISS
If you’re ready to relax and be pampered, you’ve come
to the right place, because Santa Barbara County is a
wellspring of spas. Here are a few of our other favorites.
CIELO SPA BOUTIQUE

FLOAT LUXURY SPA

Open the door and take time
to rest your mind and relax
your body. Just as your eyes are
mirrors of your soul, your skin
is a reflection of your health.
At Cielo Spa Boutique in Santa
Barbara, you’ll discover customized skin care with results and
embark on a routine of balance
and renewal.

This beautifully designed space
inspires renewal. Featuring a
coastal modern design, Float
is light and airy, modern but
comfortable, simple yet luxurious. Come in for a quick fix or
stay for the day and enjoy all of
the facilities, from their beautifully appointed locker rooms to
Sky Lounge or the private garden
with reflecting pool and fountains.

SALT CAVE
SALT is certainly Santa Barbara’s
most unique spa experience. Let
your shoulders drop, relax in
zero-gravity chairs and breathe in
pink Himalayan salt, known for
its healing properties and calming
effects. SALT boasts two caves—
the larger one fits up to 18 people
and runs on the hour, the smaller
cave seats six and can be rented
for private sessions. Enter the
dimly lit space, recline—clothed—
into comfortable lounges, relax
to soft music and breathe in the
salt as Halo generators pump dry
aerosol microparticles of salt into
the air to improve respiratory and
immune systems.

SANTA BARBARA
SPA DEL MAR
Nestled within the 360-room
oceanfront Fess Parker’s Doubletree Resort is Spa del Mar, a
unique and intimate day spa.
Adjacent to the resort’s beautiful
pool and Jacuzzi, Spa del Mar
boasts four luxurious treatment
rooms, including a couple’s room
for a special experience. Spa del
Mar has a private sun-drenched
outdoor patio with a tranquil
setting of beautiful ferns
Continued on pg. 74

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65

NOT
YOUR FATHER’S
SANTA BARBARA

PHOTO: ERIN FEINBLATT

A LOOK AT THE MOVE TOWARD NEW URBANISM

RED TILE ROOFS, wrought-iron embellishments, earthtone facades, arched entrances—ever since the city of Santa
Barbara rose from the ashes of the 1925 earthquake, these
Spanish-Moorish influences have dominated the town’s architectural style. This unified look is largely due to the strict
architectural guidelines for El Pueblo Viejo, “The Old Town”
historic district in the downtown and waterfront areas first
established by the city’s Architectural Board of Review
shortly after the earthquake and still in modified operation.
According to City of Santa Barbara Senior Planner Jaime
Limón, the three Hispanic traditional architectural style
types for El Pueblo Viejo include California Adobe, Monterey
Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival (1915–1930).
Current chair of the Architectural Board of Review (ABR),
Kirk Gradin of Banyan Architects, says, “These guidelines
were adopted as part of the city charter in 1960 in order
to ‘preserve and enhance the unique heritage and architectural character of the central area of the city.’ In addition
to protecting architectural landmarks, the ‘cohesiveness’ of
the area is achieved by the regulation of architectural styles.
Within the district, it is required that all new buildings and
significant remodels of existing structures utilize architectural
forms that have evolved out of the Hispanic-Mediterranean
tradition, particularly those represented by the whitewashed cities of Andalusia in southern Spain.”

NEW URBANISM:
AN URBAN DESIGN MOVEMENT
WHICH (AMONG OTHER THINGS)
PROMOTES MORE SUSTAINABLE
MODES OF PLANNED DEVELOPMENT
BY ENCOURAGING MIXED
USE, INCREASED DENSITY AND
DIVERSIFIED HOUSING TYPES NEAR
THE DOWNTOWN CORE OF THE
CITY. THIS SERVES TO DISCOURAGE
RELIANCE ON AUTOMOBILE USE WHILE
ENCOURAGING PEDESTRIAN, BICYCLE
AND PUBLIC FORMS OF TRANSIT.
WRIT TEN BY C HERY L C R ABTREE

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ALM A DEL PUEBLO & SANTA BARBAR A PUBLIC M ARKET

” PEOPLE LIVING DOWNTOWN AND
WALKING TO SERVICES, THAT’S
IMPORTANT TO THE OVERALL
VALUE OF THE PROJECT FOR THE
COMMUNITY AND RESIDENTS...”
­— M ARGE C AFARE LLI, OWNER ,

THE AL M A DEL PUE BLO AND SANTA BARBAR A PUBLIC

complex is a prime example of a recent project that
meets the strict El Pueblo Viejo architectural standards
while serving as a showcase for state-of-the-art 21st-century
interior design.
Owner Marge Cafarelli tore down the existing 1959 Art
Deco building, which most recently housed a Vons grocery
store, and built the Alma del Pueblo condominiums and Santa
Barbara Public Market from the ground up. The exterior
architecture blends seamlessly with that of the adjacent
Arlington Theatre, built in the 1930s. But the building also
earned LEED platinum status for its sustainable construction.
“We built a very timeless style of architecture that represents
not only Santa Barbara Spanish-Mediterranean-Andalusian
architecture, but also high-performance building,” says
Cafarelli. The spacious market interior, which drew inspiration from San Francisco’s Ferry Building, public markets
in Madrid and London, and Pike’s Place Market in Seattle,
sports an industrial look, with high ceilings, skylights, stainless steel and muted background colors that provide a subtle
background canvas on which individual tenants can reflect
their own creative displays.
The Alma del Pueblo project also reflects lifestyle desires
of many Santa Barbara residents. “People living downtown
and walking to services, that’s important to the overall
value of the project for the community and residents,” says
Cafarelli. “It’s a gathering place for the community. You want
M ARKET

people on the streets, it’s healthy for a city to have eyes on
the street, it’s healthy for other retail in the neighborhood…
We’ve got people who want to walk to the Apple Store, then
pop into the market for dinner where local tenants are doing
fun and exciting things with food.”
ABR’s Gradin says, “What puts the public market/Alma
Del Pueblo in the ‘new trend’ category is that it fits neatly
within the aesthetic guidelines of this historic district, while
also incorporating core elements of what (since the 1980s)
has been called ‘New Urbanism.’ New Urbanism is an urban
design movement which (among other things) promotes
more sustainable modes of planned development by encouraging mixed use, increased density and diversified housing
types near the downtown core of the city. This serves to
discourage reliance on automobile use while encouraging
pedestrian, bicycle and public forms of transit.
“In my view, this is the most significant recent trend in
public awareness as well as in city planning that has affected,
and will continue to affect, the architectural character and
livability of Santa Barbara,” says Gradin.
Previous page: Lucky Penny’s penny wall was a community effort involving local high school students who volunteered their labor in exchange
for contributions to nonprofit organizations. Opposite: The Santa Barbara Public Market houses a wide array of handcrafted, regionally sourced
and sustainably made food and wine, while sister complex, Alma Del
Pueblo, sits right in the heart of the downtown cultural arts corridor.

PHOTOS: COURTESY ALMA DEL PUEBLO/SANTA BARBARA PUBLIC MARKET

AL M A DEL PUE BLO & SANTA BARBAR A PUBLIC M ARKET

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69

4.

PHOTOS: CARA ROBBINS

1.

2.

3.

THE MILL

“WE’RE RENEWING WHAT IS LOVELY ABOUT
SANTA BARBARA...WE WANTED A LIFESTYLE
PLACE WHERE PEOPLE OF ALL AGES COULD
CONNECT IN A MANUFACTURING SETTING—
WHICH, IN TODAY’S SANTA BARBARA, IS
MAKING WINE OR BEER, FURNITURE,
FOOD…IT’S FULLY COMPLEMENTARY, WITH
THE THINGS WE LOVE ALL IN ONE PLACE. ”
­— KIRSTEN BEC KER , CO - OWNER , BEC KER STUDIOS

New Urbanism appears to be taking firm root in nearby
industrial zones that border El Pueblo Viejo. Buildings here
need to conform to city guidelines, but have more flexibility in their exterior look. Architect Anthony Grumbine of
Harrison Design says many owners in these zones keep the
building shells and play up the industrial roots going back
to the early 1900s. But the interiors tend to reflect a decidedly 21st-century contemporary look, with all the high-tech
conveniences that go along with it.
“It’s like a New York loft experience,” says Grumbine.
“There’s revitalization…a contrast of rough, raw materials
with refinement and an entertainment setting.” Many recent
designs include extensive use of repurposed materials like
old-growth wood, metal and brick. Grumbine says that being
environmentally sensitive is a trend that is indicative of our
culture and time. “To take the shell and reuse it, to revitalize
a building and give it a new twist, that is the trend.” Designs
are also incorporating settings that enable people to entertain and socialize. Grumbine says that a number of recent
projects are “deep-reaching commentaries on current Santa
Barbara culture and lifestyle. It’s a snapshot of us now.”
A very recent example of this architectural trend is THE
MILL , a collection of businesses on Haley Street that opened
in late summer 2015. Darrell and Kirsten Becker, owners of
Becker Studios Premium Design and Construction, had their
eyes on a cluster of dilapidated buildings on the corner of

Laguna and Haley streets for years. The largest was built as
a feed mill more than a century ago. Today the corner stands
in the heart of Santa Barbara’s manufacturing and design
services district, where residents shop and glean ideas at
Home Improvement Center, Santa Barbara Design Company
and home design showcases. When the opportunity to purchase the cluster arose in 2012, the Beckers jumped on it.
“This corner is zoned for manufacturing, and the Haley corridor architecture is supposed to be Spanish-Mediterranean
and/or speak to the historical nature of the environment,”
says Darrell.
“Our design scheme was inspired by a desire to restore
the main barn building and others to their original state,”
Kirsten explains. The Beckers cloaked the main building
with repurposed siding from a barn in Wisconsin. A former
woodshed in the back and other buildings also reflect the
site’s original mill roots.
Apart from the exterior, the Beckers envisioned a social
and retail haven that reflected the modern spirit of the city.
“We’re renewing what is lovely about Santa Barbara,” says
Kirsten. “We wanted a lifestyle place where people of all ages
could connect in a manufacturing setting—which in today’s
Opposite: Stylistically restored respecting the buildings’ original
heritage, The Mill puts a modern spin on The Feed Mill originally
constructed in 1904 by the Boykin family. It’s now a local artisan
marketplace uniquely zoned to manufacture product on site, with a
Potek Winery (1, 2, 4), a craft brewery, specialty restaurant and event
centers, as well as offices for Becker Studios Premium Design and
Construction, Pelago and AB Design Studio (3).

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71

131 ANACAPA

” WE’RE JUST CONNECTING SANTA
BARBARA WITH ROOTS THAT WERE
ESTABLISHED LONG AGO. SANTA
BARBARA’S MANUFACTURING TODAY
IS OF LIFESTYLE PRODUCTS, AND
PEOPLE WANT TO BE A PART OF IT.”
­— SHE RRY VILL ANUE VA , OWNE R , THE L ARK

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SBSEASONS.COM

electrical, mechanical, plumbing and structural system to
comply with modern standards.
Villanueva is currently working on another nearby
project—a restaurant at 202 State Street, this time within El
Pueblo Viejo. This means more design guidelines, “but we
have the same intent [as with The Lark]—honoring history,
embracing the space,” she says. The new restaurant (as yet
unnamed) is traditional-Spanish themed inside and out, and
even the menu will showcase traditional Spanish dishes.
As more projects loom on the horizon, what can we expect
to see in the coming decades?
Local architect Brian Cearnal, AIA, states, “I think the
strong trend toward sustainability within the architectural
community here and around the world influences our perspectives and is an important part of the recent evolution of
our architecture. Not only are the architects who are doing
the work evolving, but so are those on the boards reviewing
their work.”
He continues, “I don’t think the strong Spanish-Mediterranean roots of our local architecture will ever diminish within
our El Pueblo Viejo, but how it is interpreted and how those
interpretations are judged must evolve for the sake of future
generations so that our architecture is a marker of time.” 
Opposite: What was once the historic Santa Barbara Fish Market
building, now houses The Lark and Lucky Penny restaurants, Les
Marchands Wine Shop and the Santa Barbara Wine Collective, a
seamless collection of related businesses in the heart of Santa Barbara’s bustling Funk Zone.

PHOTOS: ERIN FEINBLATT

Santa Barbara is making wine or beer, furniture, food…It’s
fully complementary, with the things we love all in one place.
All the businesses are run by locals who have a passion for
their crafts. We have a brewery, a winery, a restaurant, a
grab-and-go food outlet, a fitness center, an architectural
design firm and our own company. We have music in the
courtyards, special events…there’s something for everybody—
kids, adults, all generations together.”
Another example of Santa Barbara’s “New Urbanism”
trend is 131 ANAC APA in the city’s Funk Zone, which
encompasses The Lark restaurant, Lucky Penny, Les Marchands wine shop and the Santa Barbara Wine Collective. The
historic main building once housed Castagnola Brothers, a
fish-processing warehouse built in the 1920s with wide doors
to enable workers to load rail cars and trucks with products.
Although the site is just outside El Pueblo Viejo, “Our
intent was to honor the historic use and style of building and
neighborhood,” says Lark owner Sherry Villanueva. “We
were careful to maintain the building and context, honor history, embrace the space…we also wanted to honor Castagnola
Brothers’ history by delivering a quality product.” Overall,
says Villanueva, “We’re just connecting Santa Barbara with
roots that were established long ago. Santa Barbara’s manufacturing today is of lifestyle products, and people want to be
a part of it.”
Villanueva kept the exterior of the building and the roof
structure intact, and chipped away layers of concrete by
hand to reveal brick. At the same time, she replaced every

For dogs and the people who love them,
Loose Pooch is your one stop shop for
dog daycare, training, grooming, retail gifts
and supplies. We are an air conditioned,
indoor/outdoor facility that is cage-free. First
half day is free to new customers.

Benefits: Unlimited classes + 3 free guest
passes per month to share with your friends,
free mat storage and free mat rentals, 20%
off of all workshops and 10% off of all retail, free admission to the Yoga Soup Salon
yogasoup.com
28 Parker Way
805/965-8811

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SBSEASONS.COM

loosepooch.com
1925 State St.
805/569-5201

A moment of zen for Eliot Spaulding at the
Four Seasons Resort the Biltmore.

PHOTO: CARA ROBBINS

905 COUNTRY CLUB RD., OJAI
855/697-8780
OJAIRESORT.COM

THE OAKS AT OJAI SPA
The town of Ojai is known as a Mecca for
body workers and healers, and many of
them work at The Oaks. Indulge in an Ojai
pixie tangerine scrub, an eye rejuvenation
treatment with your facial, a Thai table massage, or get poolside ready with a mani/pedi
in the Spa Salon.
Facials: Cleansing, back, Ojai olive oil body
soufflé, aromatherapy body salt glow, seasonal sugar scrub, skin authority fit and firm
treatments and more.
Massages: Hot Himalayan salt stone, joint
health arnica, sports, Swedish, aromatherapy,
among others.
Notable: Warm water, shiatsu, watsu, reiki.

North America’s Largest Himalayan Salt Cave

122 E. OJAI AVE., OJAI
805/646-5573
OAKSSPA.COM

THE SPA AT CHUMASH CASINO RESORT
Chumash Casino Resort features the largest
full-service spa in Santa Ynez Valley. Come
let them pamper you with a comprehensive
selection of relaxing and restorative health
and beauty treatments. Their 4,500-squarefoot facility is complete with steam rooms,
fitness center, outdoor Jacuzzi and heated
pool, seven treatment rooms, nail salon and
relaxation area.

Santa Barbara County
is one of America’s most desirable golf destinations, with splendid courses designed to maximize enjoyment of the region’s splendor and moderate climate, open for play all year long. Golf Digest and Golf Magazine
have ranked several of the courses as among the best in the country, and the array of tracks offers multiple levels of challenge for all who enjoy the sport. The City’s course—Santa Barbara Golf Club—is five minutes from downtown and one
of California’s best municipal facilties. Here are five other spectacular courses within 15-55 minutes of Santa Barbara.
SANTA BARBAR A COUNT Y

Glen Annie Golf Club

GOLETA

Glen Annie Golf Club
In the rolling foothills of Goleta, 15 minutes
from downtown Santa Barbara, this meticulously maintained and challenging layout is
enhanced with panoramic ocean, Channel
Island or mountain views from nearly every
hole. The tee shot from #16, for example, is
fired over a descending terrain with the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop, a 150-foot vertical
drop, to land softly on a manicured landscape near an adjacent lake with a cascading
stream. The clubhouse complex includes a
snack bar, full bar at Frog Bar & Grill and
scenic patios with excellent facilities for
gatherings of up to 300. Par 71. Stroke rating
from men’s tees: 71.1; slope rating, 122. 405

Glen Annie Rd., 805/968-6400,
glenanniegolf.com.

Rancho San Marcos

SANTA YNEZ MOUNTAINS

Rancho San Marcos
Fifteen minutes up the incredibly scenic
Hwy 154—the historic road winding off State
Street into the Santa Ynez Mountains that
leads to the charming towns and wineries of the Santa Ynez Valley—“Rancho” has
been acclaimed by nearly every major golf
magazine as offering one of the finest experiences in Southern California. Nestled in the
mountains 12 miles from Santa Barbara, the
historic land this outstanding golf course
traverses challenges with sand, lakes, the
Santa Ynez River, fields of native grasses, oak
tree-lined chaparral and changes in elevation. A comfortable clubhouse has a grill
with food to go or to enjoy at tables inside or
outside on scenic patios. Par 71. Stroke rating
from men’s tees: 73.1; slope rating, 135. 4600
Hwy. 154, 805/683-6334, rsm1804.com.

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GOLETA

Sandpiper Golf Club

Sandpiper Golf Club

Established in 1972 as Santa Barbara
County’s first resort course open to the
public, Sandpiper is an inspiring 18 holes of
seaside golf on an extraordinary, natural terrain, with an acclaimed layout named by Golf
Digest as one of the top 25 public golf courses
in the United States. Designed by renowned
architect William F. Bell, the course features
beautiful rolling fairways that lead to enormous, challenging greens in a links-style
layout with ocean views from nearly every
hole. The stretch of holes 10 through 14 is
one of the most memorable golf experiences
of any player’s life. Par 72. Stroke rating from
men’s tees: 74.7; slope rating, 136. 7925 Hollister Ave., 805/968-1541, sandpipergolf.com.

SOLVANG

River Course at the Alisal

River Course at the Alisal

Opened for public play in 1992 on land
owned by and adjacent to the renowned
Alisal Guest Ranch, River Course provides
a layout to be enjoyed by golfers of all levels
of skill. Set along the Santa Ynez River, with
panoramic views of the mountains beyond,
the course features mostly wide fairways
and accessible greens. Several holes, however, will challenge even the low handicap
golfer—the lengthy #7, with out-of-bounds
right and a big lake left; #10, which plays
through a chute of trees; and those along the
river. The first-class clubhouse has comfortable, inside seating and a view-oriented patio.
Par 72. Stroke rating from men’s tees: 73.1;
slope rating, 135. 150 Alisal Rd., 805/6886042, rivercourse.com.
LOMPOC

La Purisima Golf Course

La Purisima Golf Course

A half-hour from the Danish village of
Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley wine
country, “La P,” one of California’s finest
and most challenging courses, is pure golf:
no real estate, no commercial development
for miles, just long, twisting fairways bordered at times by oak and eucalyptus groves
and protected by sand, water and out-ofbounds stakes, finishing with big, lightning
fast greens. Especially in the afternoon,
wind becomes a factor, often making the
closing holes our own “Amen Corner.”
Designed by world-renowned architect
Robert Muir Graves, a round at La Purisima
will not soon be forgotten, and is worth the
drive. Par 72. Stroke rating from men’s tees:
74.9; slope rating, 143. 3455 E. Hwy. 246,
805/735-8395, lapurisimagolf.com.

WINTER 2015/16

77

VALLEY NEWS

Catching Up
With Rona Barrett
Her Passion Project for Seniors
Breaks Ground in Santa Ynez

IN 1991 , entertainment TV
trailblazer and household name
Rona Barrett walked away from
a three-decade career covering
the happenings in Hollywood,
retiring to her ranch in Santa
Ynez Valley.
“I wanted to live up on a
mountain; I wanted to be able
to see clear skies; I wanted to
breathe fresh air,” explains
Barrett. “I wanted to grow
something.”
And grow something she
did—for more than a decade,
Barrett’s ranch was covered in
fragrant purple fields of lavender. “It was just exquisite! It
was just beautiful,” she says of
her former farm, where she produced a variety of products; her
lavender applesauce was one of
“Oprah’s Favorite Things.”
Profits went to her Rona
Barrett Foundation, which benefits seniors in need of housing,
clothing or food.
Barrett has long been a vocal
advocate for the senior community. Her message is this: “Do you
understand what’s happening
in this country? We have a crisis
here, a real crisis! Who’s going to
handle our elderly as they age?
Who’s going to feed them? Who’s
going to care for them if they
can’t do it themselves? What we
need is a new form of affordable

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SBSEASONS.COM

housing for seniors!”
Then one day, it sadly hit
home.
Barrett’s elderly father
questioned her crossly, “Who
are you?”
“I said, ‘Daddy, it’s Rona!’”
“‘I don’t know any Rona! Get
out of my house! Get out of my
house!’”
“I had to hold back my tears,”
Barrett tenderly recalls. “That
was the night that I got into bed
with a big yellow notepad and
on the top, I wrote ‘The Golden
Inn & Cottages.’ That was the
beginning of the real vision.”
After many arduous years
planning and fundraising, her
dream is finally real.
In April, the Golden Inn & Village broke ground on seven acres
at the corner of Highway 246 and
Refugio Road in Santa Ynez.
Barrett partnered with the
Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara to build the
valley’s first affordable senior
housing and care development,
nearly 150 units, designed by
Barrett to resemble a bed and
breakfast.
“We believe Golden Inn &
Village will be an example and
a model for other campuses to
be built, not only in our state,
but also in other areas in our
country,” she declares.

“Do you understand what’s happening in this
country? We have a crisis here, a real crisis! Who’s
going to handle our elderly as they age? Who’s going
to feed them? Who’s going to care for them if they
can’t do it themselves? What we need is a new form
of affordable housing for seniors!”
— RONA BARRET T

Opposite: Rona Barrett at the future site of Golden Inn & Village in Santa Ynez. Above: An artist
rendering of what the complex will look like. The
groundbreaking (L-R) Mickey Flacks, commissioner for the Housing Authority of the County
of Santa Barbara; Robert Havlicek Jr., executive
director of the Housing Authority of the County of
Santa Barbara; Doreen Farr, Third District supervisor; Rona Barrett; Congresswoman Lois Capps;
Alfred Holzheu, president of Surf Development
and Jessica Mackenzie of Union Bank.

SO FUN
SO MEMORABLE
SO SOLVANG

The first residents are expected to move
in by August 2016.
“I want everybody to realize that there’s
a moment in your life when you will be a
senior, no matter what,” Barrett states. “Everyone does what I call ‘the phasing of life.’”
This spirited senior shares her insight
and keen sense of humor, writing her “Gray
Matters” column in Santa Ynez Valley News.
At the age of 79, she still toils nearly
’round the clock, “I feel like I’m back in my
days when I was on deadline and doing my
broadcast.”
These days, Barrett’s primary focus is
Golden Inn, planning for its future and
seeking support for the cause that’s become
her calling. 

on Golden Inn &
Village, visit ronabarrettfoundation.org.
FOR MORE INFORMATION

Journey to the Danish town of Solvang, located
just 35 miles outside of Santa Barbara in the heart
of the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. You’ll gain
a wholenew perspective on the world.

El Presidio de Santa Barbara, founded
in 1782 to offer protection to the mission
and settlers and to provide a seat of government and to guard against foreign invasion,
is now a state historic park. | 123 E. Canon
Perdido St. 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. daily. 805/9650093, sbthp.org.

MISSION DISTRIC T is identified by Mission
Santa Barbara, and is among the oldest residential neighborhoods in the city. Characterized
by revival-style architecture, it is also home to
the Mission Historical Park and rose garden.

Santa Barbara County Courthouse, a
National Historic Landmark in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, was dedicated in
1929. Its immense landscaped courtyard and
sunken garden is the site of public celebrations
year round. | 1100 Anacapa St. Docent tours
Mon.–Fri. 10:30 a.m.; Daily 2 p.m. 805/9626464, santabarbaracourthouse.org.

2

Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s outstanding permanent and special collections, housed in a stately building constructed
in 1914 as the city’s first federally funded post
office, include the only remaining intact mural
by Mexican artist David Alfaro Siqueiros,
Portrait of Mexico Today. | 1130 State St. Thur.
11 a.m.-8 p.m. 805/963-4364, sbma.net.

3

La Arcada, designed by architect Myron
Hunt in 1926, is home to a wealth of galleries, shops and restaurants. Dotted along the
way are historical curios and sculptures, with
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all roads leading to the much-loved central
fountain stocked with turtles and fish. | 1100
block of State Street.

Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden,
named after the benefactor who donated
the prime property and renowned for its
beauty, is a popular photo backdrop. Audio
posts and interpretive Braille signs make the
garden accessible for the visually impaired. |
Micheltorena and Santa Barbara streets.

PRESIDIO NEIGHBORHOOD is a vibrant
section developed around the historic site of
the last remaining Spanish fortresses built
in California, called presidios. In addition to
being Santa Barbara’s birthplace, El Presidio
de Santa Barbara, the neighborhood is also
home to the historic Lobero Theatre, one
of the city’s architectural jewels, as well as
Casa de la Guerra historic house museum. El
Paseo, a charming adobe plaza built in the
1820s, houses several nice shops and restaurants, along with The Wine Collection of El
Paseo, an upscale array of six excellent wine

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s 78
acres, accessed by five and a half miles
of trails, record the history of the state’s rare
and indigenous plants. From the dramatic
opening view through the meadows, chaparral and forest to the sweeping ridge-top views
of the Channel Islands, the garden is a skillful
display of California’s natural bounty. | 1212
Mission Canyon Rd. Mar.–Oct. 9 a.m.–6 p.m.;
Nov.–Feb. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. 805/682-4726, sbbg.org.

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Mission Santa Barbara was dedicated
in 1786 by Father Fermin Lasuén. Known
as “Queen of the Missions” for its twin belltowers, it remains the only California mission
to be continuously occupied by the Franciscans. | 2201 Laguna St. Daily tours 9 a.m.–4:30
p.m. 805/682-4713, sbmission.org; santabarbaramission.org.

10

Museum of Natural History was
originally a showplace for ornithology
meant to engage the public in the natural history of the region. Today, the museum draws
more than 150,000 visitors per year, all eager
to take a closer, studied look at what nature
has to offer. | 2559 Puesta del Sol Rd. 10 a.m.–5
p.m. daily. 805/682-4711, sbnature.org.
WAT E R F R O N T, running the length of
Cabrillo Boulevard from East Beach to the
harbor, is a feast for outdoor enthusiasts. A
paved pathway runs the full distance—passing through the Sunday Arts & Crafts Show
on weekends—by Stearns Wharf and along
West Beach to the harbor.

11

Andree Clark Bird Refuge—an
artificial freshwater lake and marsh

pond adjacent to the zoo —provides one of the
best biking/jogging/skating paths in the area
around its perimeter. | 1400 E. Cabrillo Blvd.
805/564-5418.

Committed to conservation, species survival
and education, the zoo is an enlightening and
entertaining place to visit. | 500 Niños Dr. 10
a.m.–5 p.m. daily. 805/962-5339, sbzoo.org.

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Santa Barbara Harbor and Breakwater is a working harbor, home to
fishing boats, private yachts and nearly 1,200 excursion and sightseeing boats. It is always a busy
and interesting place to walk, skate, bike, eat
and purchase fresh catch at Fisherman’s Market
every Saturday morning. | Off Cabrillo Blvd.
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum,
situated on the harbor’s scenic waterfront, presents the region’s rich local maritime
history. From ancient seafaring Chumash to
modern-day deep-sea research, the emphasis is
on human interaction with the sea, from shipwrecks to environmental efforts. | 113 Harbor
Way. Memorial Day–Labor Day 10 a.m.–6 p.m.;
Labor Day–Memorial Day 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed
Wed. 805/962-8404, sbmm.org.

14

Stearns Wharf, a Santa Barbara icon,
was built by a Vermont native in 1876
to accommodate ocean-going vessels. Once
owned by Jimmy Cagney, its dramatic views
of the city and the hills beyond, as well as its
mix of shops and restaurants, have charmed
visitors for more than a century. | State St. at
Cabrillo Blvd.

15

Sea Center, located on Stearns Wharf,
is a participatory experience, with the
look and feel of a marine science laboratory.
Among the exhibits are a simulated tide pool
with surging waves and a BioLab focusing on
the biology and ecology of deep-sea resources.
| State St. at Cabrillo Blvd. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
805/962-2526, sbnature.org.

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Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show
is the longest-running public weekly
art show in the country, with more than 250
exhibitors, all there in person and carefully
screened to ensure originality of work. | Cabrillo Blvd. between State and Calle Puerta Vallarta streets. Sun. 10 a.m. to dusk. 805/897-2519,
santabarbaraca.gov.

Santa Barbara Zoo opened to the
public in 1963 and had only seven
residents. Now more than 500 animals live
here, and 30 acres of lush gardens spread
across a knoll overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Whale Watching in Santa Barbara
Channel offers a marine environment
so rich that it draws visitors from throughout
the world. More than 27 species of dolphins
and whales delight all ages. Coastal trips depart daily February through April, and island
whale watching trips depart daily May through
February. | 805/882-0088, condorexpress.com.
Funk Zone was once an industrial
zone bordered by State Street, Stearns
Wharf and East Beach; it is now a hotbed of
homegrown artistic production. The Funk
Zone is known for its eclectic wall murals,
ateliers, galleries, alternative exhibition spaces,
trendy artist shops and the lively Urban Wine
Trail. Half the fun is each surprise that awaits
you down the alley or painted on the wall in
front of you! | funkzone.net.

Montecito and Points South
Montecito’s densely wooded, lightly populated residential area between Santa Barbara
and Summerland has attracted the privileged
for more than a century, but its genesis was
agrarian. Remnants of this rich heritage are
still in use. The 500-acre property, on which
Harleigh Johnston grew citrus trees until
1893, became San Ysidro Ranch. With the
ranch’s completion in 1935 and the Montecito Inn’s in 1928, it wasn’t long before
well-known captains of industry built estates,
many of them incorporating the farms and
ranches that had originally settled the area.

21

Casa del Herrero, designed for
George Steedman by the “father of
the Santa Barbara style,” George Washington
Smith, offers a glimpse into Montecito life
in the 1930s. A splendid example of Spanish
Colonial Revival architecture, the house—and
the gardens—are National Historic Landmarks. The gardens, covering 11 acres, were
designed by noted landscape architects Ralph
Stevens and Lockwood de Forest and horticulturist Frances T. Underhill. | 1387 E. Valley
Road.Tours Wed. and Sat. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Reservations required. 805/565-5653, casadelherrero.com.

22

Ganna Walska Lotusland is a 37acre garden estate, prized for its rare
and exotic plants and providing new perspectives on sustainability of nature’s offerings.
Themed gardens include topiary, bromeliad,
succulent, cycad, cactus, fern, Japanese, Australian, water and a blue garden, among others.

Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum
of Art seeks to educate students and
the community about the power and value of
the visual arts through physical, critical and
spiritual engagement with the creative process
and its results. | Westmont College, 955 La Paz
Rd. Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
805/565-6162, westmontmuseum.org.

S U M M E R L A N D is just a stone’s throw off
Hwy. 101 and two minutes south of Montecito, and offers the rural charm of an earlier
California beach town and maintains the
spirit of an artists’ colony via plentiful antique, home and garden shops, art galleries,
boutiques and unpretentious eateries.

24

Lookout County Park, off Lillie
Avenue at Evans Avenue, is spread out
on the bluffs above the beautiful Summerland
Beach. From this vantage point, where full
picnic facilities await, there are spectacular
views of the Channel Islands. | Exit Hwy. 101 at
Evans Ave.
CARPINTERIA is five minutes south of Montecito and Summerland. Although the city
advertises itself as home to the “world’s
safest beach,” visitors also come to roam the
avocado-laden hills in search of the orchid
fields and hothouses, for which Carpinteria is
well known.

25

Salt Marsh Nature Reserve, a 230acre salt marsh, is home to local and
migratory waterfowl and fish and is a birder’s
dream. | Exit Hwy. 101 at Linden Ave. at Sandyland Rd., turn right and drive three blocks to
Ash Ave.

26

Carpinteria State Beach and Bluffs
are among California’s most popular destinations—the result of a broad beach
and good sunning, tidepooling and fishing.
Most any sunny weekend, you’ll find loads of
families settled in for the day. For hikers and
birdwatchers, it doesn’t get much better than
the Carpinteria Bluffs. | Exit Hwy. 101 at Linden Ave. Continue through town to the beach.
Park on Linden Ave. or in the Carpinteria State
Beach lot.

27

Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet
Club was admitted to the U.S. Polo
Association in 1911 and moved to its present
location shortly thereafter. The club welcomes
visitors for Sunday games from May through
October, with the high-goal season capped
by the Gulfstream Pacific Coast Open. | 3375
Foothill Rd. 805/684-6683, sbpolo.com. k
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E XPLORE SA NTA BA RBA R A COUNT Y

Goleta and
Points North
The city of Goleta and several of the area’s well-known
institutions and landmarks are
just 10 minutes north of Santa
Barbara, including University of
California Santa Barbara and
two championship golf courses.

28

Rancho La Patera, one
of the oldest landmarks
in Goleta Valley, is home to
historic Stow House, a beautiful example of Carpenter Gothic
architecture, and Cavalletto
History Education Center, which
focuses on Goleta’s ranching and
agricultural history. | 304 N. Los
Carneros Rd. Sat.–Sun. 1–4 p.m.
and by appointment. 805/681-7216,
stowhouse.com.

Urban Wine Tasting
Although you won’t find any vineyards in this area, these unique
and eclectic wineries and tasting rooms are a great way to begin
your wine-tasting journey through the area on foot, as an introduction to local wines. Many of the urban wineries have northern Santa
Barbara County vineyards that are also open to visitors.
A Area 5.1

South Coast Railroad
Museum, housed in a
restored train depot, is a magnet
for train buffs. Tours of the Victorian depot, rides on the “Goleta
Short Line” miniature train and
exhibits are part of the experience. | 300 N. Los Carneros Rd.
Wed.–Sun. 1–4 p.m. 805/964-3540,
goletadepot.org.

Art, Design & Architecture Museum at
University of California Santa
Barbara holds an impressive fine
art collection with one of the largest architectural archives in North
America. In addition, it engages
contemporary artists in exhibits
and programs. | UCSB. Wed.–Sun.
Noon–5 p.m. 805/893-2951, museum.ucsb.edu.

32

El Capitan and Refugio State Beaches, the
mixed sand and rock beach at El
Capitan links Refugio—a palmlined crescent of sand with tide

Guadalupe-Nipomo
Dunes, the Dunes Center at 1055 Guadalupe St. should
be the first stop in the exploration
of the largest dune complex in the
state. Exit Main Street in Santa
Maria off Hwy. 101 approximately
75 miles north of Santa Barbara,
continue nine miles to Hwy. 1
(Guadalupe Street) and turn
right. | Wed.–Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
805/343-2455, dunescenter.org.

Santa Ynez Mountains
and Valley Areas
The valley is historically rich and
geographically diverse. The most
scenic route to this beautiful area
from Santa Barbara is by Hwy.
154 (San Marcos Pass). In the
valley, vineyards dot the landscape, many with tasting rooms.
Please refer to our winery guide.

Solvang
With a population of nearly
5,000, Solvang (“sunny field”
in Danish) is the largest city in
Santa Ynez Valley. Founded in
1911 by Danish educators from
the Midwest, Solvang is considered the “Danish Capital of
North America.”

Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts
(PCPA), a combination of professional actors and
advanced students, as well as other concerts and
events. Open June through October. | 420 2nd
St. 805/686-1789, solvangfestivaltheater.org.

Start Your Wine Tasting
Experience at Jamie Slone Wines

36

Old Mission Santa Inés is the 19th of
21 missions built in California from 1769
to 1836 by Spanish Franciscan priests. Founded
September 17, 1804 by Padre Estevan Tapis, it
was the first European settlement in Santa Ynez
Valley and still displays artifacts preserved from
the Mission era. | 1760 Mission Dr. at Hwy. 246.
805/688-4815, missionsantaines.org.

37

Elverhøj Museum of History & Art
is housed in a historic handcrafted
structure built in a style derived from the large
farmhouses of 18th century Denmark. Visitors
can view Solvang’s history through photos,
artifacts and video displays; enjoy exhibits
celebrating the Danish-American pioneer spirit
and the colorful heritage of Denmark. | Wed.Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 1624 Elverhoy Way. 805/6861211, elverhoj.org.

38

Wildling Art Museum, an educational institution dedicated to presenting
art of America’s wilderness, is a place to gain a
greater appreciation of art and a better understanding of the importance of preserving our
natural heritage. | 1511-B Mission Dr., 805/6881082, wildlingmuseum.org.

Santa Ynez,
Ballard & Los Olivos
These small, charming towns look like they
belong in the pages of a book on the history
of the west and are world-renowned for their
vineyards, equestrian culture, art galleries,
inns and restaurants that epitomize the region’s signature wine country cuisine.

Chumash Casino Resort is a casino
and hotel and spa located in the heart
of Santa Barbara wine country that is owned by
Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. Guests
can stay the night in the luxury 106-room Four
Diamond-rated hotel, eat at the Four Diamond
rated-Willows restaurant, enjoy big name shows
and get pampered at the resort spa, the largest
in Santa Ynez Valley. | 3400 California 246,
Santa Ynez. 805/686-0855, chumashcasino.com.

Daily 12 - 6
LOCATED IN THE HISTORIC EL PASEO

40

Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum celebrates the rich history of
the Santa Ynez Valley, its pioneering settlers
and the five early townships that formed the
foundation of this unique region. | Open Wed.–
Sun. noon–4 p.m. 3596 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez.
805/688-7889, santaynezmuseum.org. 

MENTION THIS AD FOR TWO FOR ONE TASTINGS

813 ANACAPA ST.

(805) 897-3366

GRASSINIFAMILYVINEYARDS.COM

WINTER 2015/16

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Wine

For more information about local wineries and events,
contact the Santa Barbara Vintners at 800/218-0881
or visit sbcountywines.com.

Santa Barbara County vineyards grow exceptional grapes, and now, after more than 40 years of experimentation with an
incredible diversity of microclimates and soil types, growers and winemakers know a lot about what to plant and where those vines
thrive best—and a host of talented vintners transform those grapes into world-class wines. Santa Barbara County has at least 175
wineries and tens of thousands of planted acres, highlighted here are more than 100 that offer the wine tasting experience.
Wineries with a (T) designation are tasting rooms only, while locations with a (V) designation offer the opportunity to taste wine at the vineyards.
A (G) designation is for wines with environmentally friendly practices (organic, biodynamic, SIP certification).

LOS ALAMOS VALLEY

Barbara County. With its east-west valley
and river lands, this scenic area has a climate that leads to early bud break and a
long ripening season for the grapes.

Lompoc
The ever-growing numbers of urban wineries and tasting rooms in Lompoc are Santa
Barbara County’s most western tasting
region and are primarily located in the
industrial park affectionately known as the
“Wine Ghetto.”
Ampelos (T) (G)
312 N. 9th St., 805/736-9957

Thirty years ago, Bryan Babcock was one of the
characters who lit the fuse of Santa Barbara’s
wine explosion. Today, at his family’s 110 acre
ranch in the heart of the Sta. Rita Hills, he continues to mix the venerable with the progressive, and
is known for radical farming, classic single-terroir
winemaking, and an industrial chic atmosphere in
the tasting room.
5175 E. Hwy. 246, 805/736-1455
babcockwinery.com

The eastern gateway to the Sta. Rita Hills
appellation is Buellton, while Lompoc lies as
the western gateway. Sta. Rita Hills is home
to the most extreme cool-climate vineyards
in the area, growing primarily Pinot Noir and
Chardonnay, along with other interesting
cool-climate wines.
1 Babcock Winery & Vineyards

SANTA MARIA VALLEY
The Santa Maria Valley American Viticultural
Area was the third AVA established in the
United States (in 1981) and the first in Santa

2

Presqu'ile Winery & Vineyards

Presqu'ile (press-KEEL), Creole for “almost an island,” was a haven and refuge on the Gulf Coast
for generations of the Murphy family. Presqu’ile
Winery, named in honor of that place, produces
elegant Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah. Enjoy these
estate grown wines, food pairings and views of
the valley in the relaxed, yet refined tasting room.
5391 Presquile Dr., 805/937-8110
presquilewine.com

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WINE SA NTA BA RBA R A COUNT Y

Point Concepción (T)
420 E. Hwy 246, 805/691-1300

Los Olivos

3

Lafond Winery & Vineyards

Long known as Santa Barbara’s tastemaker, Pierre
Lafond founded Santa Barbara County’s first
winery since prohibition (now located downtown,
two blocks from the beach). His 65 acres in the
Sta. Rita Hills and 30 acres across the river have
produced medal-awarded Syrah, Chardonnay,
and a Pinot Noir that “is truly an expression” of
the Sta. Rita Hills appellation.
6855 Santa Rosa Rd., 805/688-7921
lafondwinery.com

Nestled into an oak tree-studded, 40-acre vineyard,
this grand lodge-style winery was built to reflect the
rustic, authentic and bold spirt of the surrounding
Santa Ynez Valley. The 5,000 sq. ft. tasting room,
complete with an indoor-outdoor stone fireplace
and trellised patio overlooking expansive gardens,
offers a special tasting option: chef-prepared bites
of food to be enjoyed with the wine. Two for one
tasting with the mention of Seasons Magazine.

Santa Ynez
Many of the wineries in this region are set
on their estate properties. Peaceful and
rolling vistas of ranches and farms mingle
with vineyards and tasting rooms along the
country roads.
Bridlewood Estate Winery (V)
3555 Roblar Ave., 805/688-9000

Located on a beautiful 100-acre estate along the
celebrated Foxen Canyon Trail, this spectacular
property, once owned by one of the most successful TV producers in history, was acquired by the
Koehler family in 1997. Today, as one of the Trail’s
most popular stops, guests can taste in one of
several outdoor settings, each offering impressive
views of the estate and vineyard grounds.
5360 Foxen Canyon Rd., 805/693-8384
koehlerwinery.com

Solvang
“The Danish Capital of America,” Solvang is a
quaint village of shops, parks, hotels, bakeries,
restaurants and wine tasting rooms, with
vineyards in the northern part of town.

8

Sunstone Vineyards & Winery

Committed to growing wine grapes without the use
of herbicides, pesticides, or synthetic fungicides,
Sunstone’s 28-acre certified organic estate vineyard produces wine from “a vineyard in harmony
with Earth’s cycles throughout the year.” Known
for its Provence-inspired ambience and private
event venues, Sunstone is the perfect destination
for tastings and luxurious group experiences.
125 N. Refugio Rd., 805/688-9463
sunstonewinery.com

Brophy Bros. (Seafood) has long been
one of Santa Barbara’s most popular
eateries and is located at the harbor,
with excellent views. You’ll find great
shellfish cocktails and fresh fish here.
119 Harbor Way, 805/966-4418. $$
Chuck’s Waterfront Grill (Steaks
and Seafood) serves prime-grade top
sirloin steaks and Australian lobster tail
among many other delicious offerings.
The restaurant’s lively upstairs extension,

The Harbor Restaurant and
Longboard’s Grill (Seafood)
on Stearns Wharf are two different
experiences from one great vantage
point. The Harbor is a romantic oceanview restaurant and Longboard’s is a
noisy, energy-packed bar and grill. 210
Stearns Wharf, 805/963-3311. $$–$$$

- Santa Barbara FisHouse
(Seafood) serves fresh local fish in a
lively setting. Gathering with friends on
the dining terrace with ocean views is
the perfect way to start the weekend. Be
sure to order lobster during the season
from these “lobster specialists.” 101 E.
Cabrillo Blvd., 805/966-2112. $$$

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(Seafood) is a fun, no-frills seafoodlover’s paradise. Select your dinner
fresh from the tanks or that day’s
catch just steps from the ocean. 230
Stearns Wharf, 805/966-6676. $$

does American fare proud, with
everything from soul-satisfying
pastas, pizzas, grilled ahi and fish
and chips to fresh salads to juicy
burgers and generous sandwiches.
1201 State St., 805/845-2600, $-$$

Cielito Restaurant (Mexican)
indulges your senses with its beautiful
courtyard patio and inviting dining
room in historic La Arcada. Sample
antojitos, or “small cravings,” perfect
for sharing along with the raw bar’s
piquant ceviches and fresh shellfish.
1114 State St., 805/965-4770. $$–$$$
Downey’s (Californian) is an
intimate restaurant that has received
numerous accolades and is widely
considered one of California’s finest.
With just 14 tables and a menu that
changes daily, owner/chef John Downey
creates matchless nouvelle cuisine.
Open for dinner only, Tues. through Sun.
1305 State St., 805/966-5006. $$$$

-

El Paseo Restaurant (Mexican)
oozes with the character of old
Mexico and old Santa Barbara.
The bar—with great Margaritas—is
separated from the festive dining room
by large archways, beyond which
are a courtyard and a fountain. 813
Anacapa St., 805/962-6050. $$–$$$
Enterprise Fish Co. (Seafood) is
one of Santa Barbara’s largest and
busiest seafood restaurants. In an
exhilarating, nautical atmosphere
are an oyster bar and a variety of
fresh fish that are mesquite-broiled
and served at reasonable prices.
225 State St., 805/962-3313. $$

Intermezzo Bar/Café (Californian)
serves local wines on tap, craft cocktails and
light fare such as burgers, flatbreads, salads and
desserts ‘til late. An array of small plates to share—
including cheese and charcuterie offerings, oysters,
mussels, steak bites and the most amazing crispy
cauliflower—make this a perfect pre- or post-theater
stop. 819 Anacapa St., 805/966-9463. $$–$$$

S INCE 1982

“We found Downey’s, hands down,
to be the best bet in town. This small,
serene restaurant offers meticulous
and artful cooking... ”
—FOOD AND WINE MAGAZINE
EXAMPLES FROM OUR DAILY CHANGING MENU

Joe’s Café (American) is a Santa Barbara
icon known for its stiff cocktails and raucous
atmosphere. The menu of American classics includes
steaks, sandwiches and Mexican specialties.
Lunch and dinner served daily; breakfast served
weekends. 536 State St., 805/966-4638. $$
Julienne (Californian) features an ever-changing
menu at this little gem of a restaurant focusing
on fresh food from local fields and farmers’
markets. Open Tues.–Sun. for dinner. 138 E.
Canon Perdido St., 805/845-6488. $$$

The Lark (American) delights with Chef Jason
Paluska’s sophisticated family-style plates designed
to share and made with the freshest possible local
“farm-to-fork” ingredients, along with creative cocktails
and a wonderful wine selection. Dinner, Tues. through
Sun. 131 Anacapa St., 805/284-0370. $$–$$$

Les Marchands (French) is the perfect place
to discover expertly chosen wines from around the
world and enjoy tastes with locally-sourced bites
and traditional French fare pairings in a relaxing,
Funk Zone atmosphere, free of intimidation. 131
Anacapa St. Suite B, 805/284-0380. $–$$$
Louie’s (Californian), located inside the Upham
Hotel, reflects the charm and tradition of its location.
You’ll find extraordinary fresh seafood, pastas,
filet mignon and a changing menu of specialties.
1404 De La Vina St., 805/963-7003. $$–$$$

-

Lucky Penny (Californian), a freestanding foodcounter-meets-artisan-bakery, offers a take-away
hub of bakery goods, coffees, fresh-pressed juices,
wood-fired pizzas and delightful snacks, which
can be enjoyed on the go or in the courtyard.
127 Anacapa St., 805/284-0358. $–$$

Nuance (Californian), an upscale urban bistro
located in hip Hotel Indigo, is a welcome addition
to Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone. Chef Courtney
Ladin brings globally inspired cuisine and cutting
edge cocktails to this gem of a locale. Open k

California Bistro

LOCATED IN THE
CHARMING
130 YEAR OLD
VICTORIAN UPHAM
HOTEL
BANQUETS
PRIVATE PARTIES
LUNCH & DINNER

Opal (Californian) is a classic European-style bistro
serving eclectic California cuisine complemented
by a wood-burning pizza oven, an extensive
wine list and full bar. Open daily for lunch and
dinner. 1325 State St., 805/966-9676. $$
The Palace Grill (Cajun) is a place resonating
with jazz music that creates the perfect setting for
spicy food and spirited service to chase the blues
away. Features authentic Louisiana specialities like
jambalaya, crawfish etouffée and blackened steaks
and seafood. 8 E. Cota St., 805/963-5000. $$–$$$

Paradise Café (American) is located downtown
in a unique old building with wall murals from the
1940s. It has one of Santa Barbara’s favorite patios
for dining and a bar that will take you back in time
with cocktails of your choice and a well-selected wine
and beer list. 702 Anacapa St., 805/962-4416. $$
Petit Valentien (French), with its quaint
atmosphere and intimate setting, is hidden
away in a small corner of La Arcada. Be sure to
check out the prix fixe menu only available on
Sundays. 1114 State St. #16, 805/966-0222. $$

for reservations, call 805 687 6444
open everyday for breakfast, lunch, and dinner

2819 State Street
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SBSEASONS.COM

Santa Barbara

www.crocsb.com

Savoy Cafe and Deli (Californian) was created
by the husband and wife team of Paul and Kathy
Shields, a local couple who bring decades of restaurant
experience to this popular downtown spot. The award
winning salad bar features organic, local produce with
a huge variety of options to choose from. Don’t miss
the Citrus French Toast for breakfast. Also try “The Guy
Plate,” a turkey pasilla fritter with quinoa mango salad,
pesto green beans and carrot, featured as a favorite
dish of Guy Fieri’s on the Food Network’s Diners, Driveins & Dives. 24 W. Figueroa St., 805/962-6611. $-$$$
Trattoria Vittoria (Italian) is a longtime local’s
favorite spot to linger over a romantic evening or
dinner with friends. Featuring traditional pasta
dishes, as well as fresh seafood and meats.
30 E. Victoria St., 805/962-5014. $$$

Wine Cask (Californian) in the historic El
Paseo complex offers a beautiful spot to enjoy
fine dining and exceptional service in a relaxed
setting. Don’t miss the stellar wine selections,
including an impressive variety of local wines on
tap. 813 Anacapa St., 805/966-9463. $$$

Uptown

Breakfast • Lunch
Dinner • Cocktails

Belmond El Encanto (Coastal-Californian)
presents California coastal cuisine and seasonal
favorites from executive chef Leo Andres Ayala,
featuring specialties like fresh local oysters, pan
seared diver scallops and short ribs sous vide
alongside stunning Santa Barbara views. Sit under
the stars on the terrace or in the elegant dining
room. 800 Alvarado Pl., 805/845-5800. $$$-$$$$
Chuck’s of Hawaii (American) is the
home of California’s first salad bar and offers
award-winning steaks and fresh seafood right
from the grill. A local favorite hangout since
1967. 3888 State St., 805/687-4417. $$

2981 Cliff Drive (805) 898-2628
www.boathousesb.com

Crocodile Restaurant (Italian/Californian),
a local’s secret found at the Lemon Tree Inn, offers
a chic, relaxing atmosphere with full cocktail bar
and kitchen. A great spot for a sporting match or
catching up with a friend. Breakfast, lunch and dinner
served daily. 2819 State St., 805/687-6444. $$–$$$­

-

Harry’s Plaza Café (American) offers strong
drinks and hearty food—a winning combination
for this long-time local favorite. Open daily for
lunch and dinner and until midnight on Fridays and
Saturdays. 3313 State St., 805/687-2800. $$$

Le Café Stella (French-American) is perched
across from Santa Barbara Golf Club and is
a neighborhood hot spot for breakfast, lunch,
dinner and happy hour—try the juicy burgers
on brioche buns or heart-warming coq au vin.
3302 McCaw Ave., 805/569-7698. $$
The Tee-Off (American) is a friendly uptown
restaurant and lounge that features a short
but sweet menu of steaks, chops, chicken and
seafood. 3627 State St., 805/687-1616. $$$

Lucky’s (American) offers steaks, chops and
seafood as well as chicken entrées, wonderful
salads, six different potato dishes and beautiful
desserts. The wine list runs to the extravagant.
The adjacent bar is a favorite among locals. 1279
Coast Village Rd., 805/565-7540. $$$–$$$$

For those who realize
every single sunset is a
Distinctlyoccasion.
Californian with an Italian
special

influence, Bella Vista offers the
freshestCalifornian
local seafood,
Distinctly
with anorganic
Italian
produce
and
an
extensive
influence, Bella Vista offers the selection
freshest
of fine
wines.
As the
nameand
suggests,
local
seafood,
organic
produce
an
the panoramic views of the Pacific
extensive selection of fine wines in a truly
from the heated outdoor terrace
unrivaled al fresco setting. After all, the
are simply beautiful.
restaurant is called Bella Vista.

Montecito Wine Bistro (Californian) is a casual
yet sophisticated spot to sit on the outdoor patio
or cozy up to the fireplace and nibble wine-friendly
food. 516 San Ysidro Rd., 805/969-7520. $$–$$$
Pane e Vino (Italian) is a charming ristorante and a
favorite among the community’s elite and their guests.
Homemade pastas are near perfection and the fresh fish
dishes are superb. 1482 E. Valley Rd., 805/969-9274. $$$$

Plow and Angel (American) is a cozy restaurant
attached to the bar at San Ysidro Ranch and is wellknown for its comfort food—famous mac ‘n’ cheese
and ribs are just some of the choices. Dinner and bar
service daily. 900 San Ysidro Ln., 805/565-1700. $$$
Stella Mare’s (French) pairs a beautiful Victorian
building with stylish, Normandy-inspired cuisine. The
glass-encased greenhouse’s panoramic view and fireside
couches make it a perfect spot for listening to Wednesday
night jazz. 50 Los Patos Way, 805/969-6705. $$$–$$$$
Stonehouse Restaurant (American) is located in
a 19th-century citrus-packing house on the grounds of
San Ysidro Ranch. Stonehouse has a full bar and a menu
that emphasizes local fish and produce. Open daily for
dinner only. 900 San Ysidro Ln., 805/565-1724. $$$$
Trattoria Mollie (Italian) is a charming standby
for locals-in-the-know. The dynamic cuisine
consists of recipes that Mollie gathered during
her years of training with “the best chefs in Italy.”
1250 Coast Village Rd., 805/565-9381. $$$

- Root 246 (American) is located at Hotel
Corque, a hotel and restaurant project by
the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.
This restaurant features innovative cuisine
emphasizing local, seasonal ingredients. 420
Alisal Rd., Solvang, 805/686-8681. $$–$$$
Sides Hardware & Shoes—A Brothers
Restaurant (American) is located in a restored
1901 building where chef-owners and brothers
Jeff and Matt Nichols turn out hearty American
favorites with original gourmet twists. 2375 Alamo
Pintado Ave., Los Olivos, 805/688-4820. $$–$$$
S.Y. Kitchen (Italian) is a charming “California
version of a little Italian farmhouse” with a
focus on unfussy rustic Italian food made from
fresh local ingredients. Expect inventive salads,
woodfired pizzas and house-made pastas with

everything from seasonal seafood to duck ragu.
An outdoor red-oak grill is fired up year-round,
turning out juicy steaks and chops. Open daily
for dinner and for lunch on weekends. 1110
Faraday St., Santa Ynez, 805/691-9794. $$-$$$
The Hitching Post (American) is an old-fashioned,
western-style steakhouse and lounge just a few
minutes off Hwy. 101. In addition to Newport Meat
Company beef, there are also ribs, quail, turkey,
duck and ostrich plus seafood on the menu. 406
E. Hwy. 246, Buellton, 805/688-0676. $$$–$$$$
The Willows at Chumash Casino Resort
(American) is a AAA Four Diamond Award-winner
specializing in mouthwatering prime steaks
and seafood. The elegance of this exquisite
dining room is matched by incomparable views
of the rolling Santa Ynez hills. 3400 E. Hwy.
246, Santa Ynez, 805/686-9855. $$$–$$$$
Trattoria Grappolo (Italian) is a great
destination for gourmet pizzas from a woodburning oven, housemade pastas, fresh salads
made with local produce and nightly specials.
Grappolo features a list of more than 150
wines from around the world. Open daily for
dinner and for lunch Tues.-Sun. 3687 Sagunto
St., Santa Ynez, 805/688-6899. $$-$$$ 

Los Olivos Café and Wine Merchant
(Californian) is a casual restaurant in one of
the town’s original Main Street buildings. The
thoughtful menu of homemade pizzas and
California cuisine is complemented with an
enormous list of wines from the adjacent store.
2879 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, 805/688-7265. $$
River Grill (American) is part of the famed
Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort. It overlooks
the newest of the resort’s two golf courses,

WINTER 2015/16

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THE PRIVATE DETECTIVE as pulp hero began in California. Dashiell Hammett set Sam Spade loose on
San Francisco’s mean streets, creating the image of
the private investigator, while Raymond Chandler’s
Philip Marlowe slummed his way through L.A., and
Humphrey Bogart played both on film. In more recent
decades, Walter Mosley’s Easy Rawlins has riffed on the
harsh African-American experience in Watts, while Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch still chases serial killers
through his beloved, if often hellish, Los Angeles.

WRIT TE N BY FRED NADIS

But Santa Barbara—present population 90,412, with
an actual homicide rate of only two murders per year—
has also proven itself rich terrain for the crime writer’s
imagination. The best known of such current writers,
Sue Grafton, has proven with her alter ego, Kinsey
Millhone, that women detectives need not preside only
over the tea parties and parlors of the “cozy” mystery.
Grafton has just published, with the alluring title X,
the 24th installment in the detective series that begin
in 1982 with A Is for Alibi. She commented that one of
the appeals of Santa Barbara is “the peace and beauty of
the community in counterpoint to the dark heart of the
murder mystery.”

and wife Kenneth and Margaret Millar, however, were
the first to see the mysterious promise of Santa Barbara:
a garden of wealth, lush landscapes and architecture,
yet rife with class divides, hustles big and small, and
ugly secrets. With the pen name Ross Macdonald, Kenneth Millar wrote 18 novels of great psychological depth
featuring private eye Lew Archer. Although based in
Hollywood, Archer’s investigations of disappearances
and murder trails frequently led to “Santa Teresa,” aka
Santa Barbara, where the Millars settled in the 1940s.
Both of the Millars won Edgars, and both served terms
as president of the American Society of Mystery Writers. Although Macdonald is still linked to Hammett and
Chandler as one of the pillars of the detective genre,
Margaret experienced the earlier success and was the
first to dub Santa Barbara “Santa Teresa.”
While her husband split his time between graduate
school and duty on a World War II naval ship, Margaret
Millar, a self-described independent woman, chafing
in her role as a young mother, turned to the genre she
had discovered at age eight thanks to her brother’s stash
of Black Mask magazines. She wrote her first mystery
novel, The Invisible Worm (1941), in 15 days. This was
followed by several comic mysteries, then two featuring
the dour Canadian Inspector Sands. Warner Brothers
optioned the second of these, Iron Gates (1945), and
hired Margaret on a weekly salary to pen the screenplay. While scouring Southern California for a suitable
home, Margaret bought a place on Bath Street in Santa
Barbara, left her young daughter, Linda there with a
nanny and reported to work in Hollywood alongside
William Faulkner and Christopher Isherwood.
The Millars’ success was sealed when Paul Newman
took on the role of Lew Archer (renamed Lew Harper)
in Harper (1966), a film based on Macdonald’s early novel, The Moving Target. While Harper was in production
in 1964, the Millars moved from their second house, on
Cliff Drive in Santa Barbara, to a four-acre property in
Hope Ranch. The Millars’ fame—based on explorations
of the darker side of human nature—was always a mixed
blessing, as the pathologies and social disorders they
wrote about were near to home. Kenneth grew up in a
broken family, abandoned by his father, and when he
was six, he had to beg his mother not to leave him at an
orphanage in Canada. Instead, he stayed with a string

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of relatives, dependent on their charity, embittered and
given to juvenile delinquency.
While writing helped him outwrestle his woes,
his troubled daughter, Linda, found no such outlet. At
times, as a child, Linda posed in faux murder scene
tableaus to get a rise out of her mother. As a teen, driving drunk one rainy night, she skidded and killed a
13-year-old boy in a hit-and-run accident. At her trial,
she was placed under psychiatric care and sentenced
to a long probation. Linda Millar died unexpectedly in
1970 at age 31. Following her daughter’s death, Margaret
quit writing for five years before turning again to crime
novels. Meanwhile, Kenneth Millar, as Ross Macdonald,
gained nearly mythic status as a writer—recognized on
the covers of both the New York Times Book Review and
Newsweek in 1971. Success brought no great joy. Like
two plagued characters in a Greek tragedy, Kenneth
steadily lost his mental lucidity and died of Alzheimer’s
in 1983 at the age of 67, while Margaret lived on, battling
blindness, until 1994.
Despite the Millars’ slow fade, Santa Teresa was not
sealed off as a crime scene. Other mystery novelists appeared to explore its darkness—including Dennis Lynds
(Michael Collins), Newton Thornburg, Richard Barre
and Sue Grafton. Rather like Margaret Millar before
her, Grafton was a refugee from screenwriting. In the
late 1970s, during a split from her second husband, Grafton, an admirer of the Ross Macdonald books, began to
develop the character of Kinsey Millhone, reimagining
the macho gumshoe genre through this no-nonsense,
yet upbeat Santa Barbara private eye. Grafton thinks of
Kinsey as an alter ego, “The person I might have been
had I not married young and had children.”
In a recent essay, Grafton revealed that, like Kenneth
Millar, her own childhood was difficult. Her father,
C.W. Grafton, was a Louisville lawyer and the writer of
three mystery novels, but both he and Grafton’s mother
were alcoholics who left Grafton and her older sister
to fend for themselves. Grafton maintained a sunny
disposition, but was eager to move on. Yet she retained
her father’s love of mysteries. In the three decades since
creating Kinsey Millhone, Grafton has worked her way
through most of the alphabet of crime and has only two
novels in the series left before retiring her alter ego.
Santa Barbara lies tantalizingly close to Hollywood.
However, Grafton has vowed not to let a screenwriting team tamper with her creation. Millhone sprang,
according to Grafton, from the “shadow” realm, from
promptings in the night, and there, for readers to discover on their own, she will remain—Grafton’s braver,
yet darker self. 

S U M M E R 2 015

99

MY SANTA BARBARA

New Children’s Library Springs Into Action
CUE THE SUPER HERO MUSIC .

The air sizzles with excitement
as the audience scrambles to
find their favorite spots and
story teller Mayra Benitze
urges her preschool-aged team
of mighty avengers to “zip your
lips, put on your capes and sit
down criss-cross applesauce
style.”

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Watching these mini super
heroes transform into “super
listeners” is almost as much
fun as watching the transformation of the new library.
It was fire prevention week
and Benitze kept her legion of
little literati (at least 50 strong)
under a magic spell with books
about Sparky the firehouse dog;

Mayra Benitze leads preschool story time
at the Santa Barbara Children’s Library.

learning to stop, drop and roll;
singing and dancing; and of
course, more books to read aloud.
Preschool story time takes
place every week, and thanks
to the beautiful new children’s
space—which takes up the entire below ground floor—is a lot
livelier than it used to be. Wiggly story times for toddlers and
babies, reading hour with ARF!
trained therapy dogs, music

and movement for infants and
toddlers, and bilingual story
times are just a few of the programs that take full advantage
of the welcoming new library.
The Children’s Library also
offers teen book clubs, computer stations; free tutoring and
homework help and thousands
of books to inspire readers of
all ages.
—Leslie Dinaberg